James “Jim” Wolinski

James “Jim” Wolinski, age 59, was welcomed to Heaven on Tuesday, November 5th, 2024.

Born in Wilkes-Barre, PA on June 20th, 1965, he was the son of the late William and Joan Wolinski. Jim made his career as a brick mason with the New Jersey Local Union #5.

Jim grew up in Newark, DE, where he would go trout fishing at White Clay Creek. His claim to fame there was building such an impressive tree fort in the woods that it was covered in the local newspaper before being torn down by the authorities. In the 1979 article, they referred to the fort as a “Mansion in the trees”!

He also had a love of rock n’ roll since he got his very first stereo. Going to concerts was a part of life, with Led Zeppelin being his favorite amongst bands of the 70’s and 80’s.

Jim was also all about adventure parks, and even took his younger siblings for their first time to Great Adventure.

During high school, he met his lifelong partner, and they became inseparable. Married in 1986, Jim and Kathy built a beautiful life together. They bought their first home, spent time with friends, went to concerts and adventure parks, and grew their love of the beaches.

Four years into marriage, they embarked on parenthood together. Jim and Kathy put their hearts into being incredible parents. There wasn’t a game, recital, conference or field trip missed; Jim even (begrudgingly) went to all of (little) Jimmy’s boy scout events. Making and racing pinewood derby cars together were so special, especially celebrating when they won with their black race car. Jim also brought beloved pets to the family starting in 1994. He trained and cared for each dog that became part of the family, growing softer each time (looking at you, Zuzu!).

Jim and his family became avid beach goers, starting at the Jersey Shore with Kathy’s family, and then exploring MD and eventually finding home in the DE beaches. Jim was introduced to camping at Frontier Town, and shared the experience with family and friends. During these trips, he’d pack up the family and go to Assateague Island for days of fishing, wildlife and fun in the sun. Over time, Jim and his family grew to love it so much, they got a camper and moved into Gulls Way, a second home for them for the past 23 years. He loved spending his weekends with his family and friends at Fenwick Island State Park, sometimes catching more of a buzz than catching fish.

Jim was a proud member of the Delaware Surfcasters, and Delaware Mobile Surf Fisherman. Jim and Kathy loved attending the fishing tournaments, especially with their close friends in Cape Hatteras! They always came back with stories of fishing, friends, amazing food and beachfront houses. They were beloved by so many friends, despite Jim self-declaring he wasn’t a “people person” (HA!).

Jim was one of the handiest people out there. He designed and crafted the immaculate fire place in his family home, as well as the deck! He would always rather learn to do/build/fix something than to pay someone (unless it was plumbing!). He would also be the first to lend a helping hand to any family member who needed it, whether it was replacing something, or moving someone in or out. Jim even took pride in putting Christmas lights on Ashley’s sorority house when she lived there.

Though he joined Kathy in heaven, Jim’s spirit and love will carry on through all of those he knew.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife, Kathy and beloved dogs, Saber and Stella. He is survived by his children, Ashley and Jimmy; puppy, Zuzu; siblings Bill and Claire, Paul and Shanan, Steven and Shirl, Dan and Kasia as well as Marie and Brian as well as many nieces and nephews.

To honor Jim, all are welcome to join for his services. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am on Monday, November 25, 2024, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 West Park Place, Newark, DE. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 12 pm, following the visitation, at St. John the Baptist, East Main & North Chapel Streets, Newark, DE. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE.