James "Jim" Edward Kollar Sr.

James (Jim) Edward Kollar Sr., a devoted husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and—as he often described himself—a “jack of all trades, master of none,” passed away at home in Leander, TX, on June 18, 2025, at the age of 81.

Jim was born on April 16, 1944, in El Paso, Texas, where he was raised as the eldest of three sons by his parents, Edward Andrew Kollar Sr. and Emma Dorothy Buschardt Kollar.

A proud graduate of Ysleta High School, Jim continued his education at El Paso Community College before earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at El Paso. Between his studies, Jim prioritized his greatest calling—his family.

On May 27, 1967, Jim married the love of his life, Elizabeth (Betty) Flores. Together, they built a life rooted in love, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to one another and to their four sons.

In the early years of fatherhood, Jim worked in the parts departments at Crawford Buick and Gene Horn Oldsmobile. Determined to provide for his family while pursuing his passion for teaching, he also worked security jobs, started a lawn care business (recruiting his sons as laborers), and served as a substitute teacher. He especially enjoyed substitute teaching in the Vocational Trades and Automotive Program at Riverside High School. Jim often bought vehicles that students worked on, completed their restoration, and later sold them.

After earning his degree in December 1984, Jim became a history teacher at Tejas School of Choice in the Ysleta ISD, where he was named Campus Teacher of the Year for 1996–1997. He later taught at Americas High School in the Socorro ISD until retiring in 2009.

Following retirement, Jim and Betty relocated to the Austin area. Jim remained true to his values of integrity, humility, and self-reliance—he never hired anyone to do something he or his sons could do themselves. He found joy in traveling with his family, tending to his yard, growing flowers and vegetables, and, most memorably, continuing the tradition of decorating his home with elaborate Christmas lights and displays—an annual event that brought joy to family and neighbors alike.

Jim’s life was a quiet, steadfast example of how hard work, devotion, and perseverance can shape generations. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy lives on in all who knew and loved him.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Betty; their four sons, James Edward Kollar Jr. (Monique), Mark Andrew “Andy” Kollar (Gina), Billy Brian Kollar, and Benjamin Michael Kollar; twelve grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two brothers; and a wide circle of extended family, former students, colleagues, and friends whose lives he touched through his work and example.

A visitation for James will be held Thursday, June 26, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, 1200 S. Bagdad, Leander, TX 78641, with a rosary occurring from 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM. A funeral mass will follow from 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM. The services will end with a reception from 4:45 PM to 6:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Jim’s legacy by donating to the American Diabetes Association—or, in true Jim fashion, fix something with your own hands or lend a helping hand to someone in need.