Jim was born December 28, 1935 in Algoma, WI, the oldest son of Wellington and Florence (Hoffman) Kostichka. He married Peggy Neveu on November 16, 1973. On May 22, 1982, Jim was ordained a permanent deacon by Bishop Aloysius Wycislo. He served his God faithfully for 18 years. He served at Sacred Heart Parish in Marinette for three years, and ten years at St. Charles, Lena. He has resided in Spruce and worked for the combined parish of Lena/Spruce since 1990. Jim also served St. Joseph Parish in Crandon for three months. He was a charter member of the KC Council 6689 of Coleman, and was a 4th degree KC. He served several terms as Grand Knight of the third degree, and served as District Deputy for one year. Jim coordinated religious education programs in Marinette and Lena.
Jim is survived by his wife, Peggy; and three children, James Jr. (Cyndi) of Plymouth, WI; Jeffrey (Julie) of Poynette; and Patricia (Bruce) Chaltry of Marinette; his father, Wellington Kostichka of Algoma; and a brother, Donald of Algoma and two sisters; Leslie (Al) Garcia of Sunset, UT, and Kitty (Thomas) Thomson of Green Bay. He also has four grandchildren, Ben and Katie Kostichka, Jacob and Hannah Chaltry.
Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Florence, brother, Robert, and his first wife, Ella Mae DeKeyser.
Friends called at Rhodes-Charapata Funeral Home, Lena where a K of C service and a parish wake service was held. A Mass of Christian burial was held Monday at 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Church, Lena with Rev. Frank Schrage officiating. Interment in Lena. Jim will be sadly missed by his wife, family, and friends.