James "Jim" Anthony Kolenko

Jim was born June 4, 1951, in St. Joseph, Michigan. He was a lifetime Watervliet resident where he graduated high school in 1969. During high school he was a loved classmate, accomplished athlete, and All State football player. After high school Jim went to work for White’s Excavating until he left to work the road commission for MDOT where he worked for 24 years. In his free time most of the time you could find him fishing, however he also enjoyed camping, golfing, hunting, riding his motorcycle, and playing softball back in the Fish Corners Days.

Above everything Jim loved spending time with his family he leaves behind to cherish his memory. His loving family includes: three sons Jim and Traci Kolenko, Eric and Kristin Kolenko, and Anthony Kolenko and his fiance Rosie; a granddaughter Kelly Kolenko; grandson Dominick; his love of 15 years and fiance Sharon Pomeroy; his mom Theresa (Butera) Kolenko; three siblings Tom (Brenda) Kolenko, Joe (Andrea) Kolenko, and Chris (Gary) Tingue; several nieces and nephews; his many friends but some are like family such as Craig Camp, Dave Muth, Ken Benjamin, and Rockey Rudell; his dogs Elvis, Priscilla, and Lucky; and his two granddogs Millie and LuLu.

Jim died Tuesday, October 5, surrounded by family at Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville. His dad Joseph Kolenko precedes Jim in death.

Friends may visit with Jim’s family Sunday, October 10, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, October 11, at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Watervliet. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Watervliet. You are invited to leave a message of comfort for Jim’s family.

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