James Richard Koudelka passed away Monday, June 9th in Highland Hospital, where he was blessed with continuous loving care and surrounded by family and friends during his final days. He is survived by his wife, Gail; daughter, Joy (Tom) McDonald, grandchildren, Hunter and Kellyn McDonald; daughter, Amy (Matt) Delly, grandchildren, Madeline, Elijah, Alivea and Aria Delly; son, John Koudelka and Tami Smith, and son, Chris Koudelka. He is survived by his sister, Dianne Dromerhauser; brother, Gerald (Astrid) Koudelka, nephew Alex Koudelka, niece, Katherine Koudelka (Cole) Sutera, and brother, Douglas Koudelka.
Jim was born in Houston, Texas on August 20,1946 to Julius “Johnny” Koudelka and Lenore Fredricks Koudelka. His father was from Moulton, Texas, a small farming town which was predominantly a Czech community. Jim lived in Texas until he was 6 years old when his family moved to the New York City area where his mother grew up. A few years later, Jim’s family relocated to Levittown, where he lived until he reached adulthood.
On a visit to Moulton at the age of 12, Jim was thrilled to have the opportunity to drive a large farm tractor. This launched his interest in driving big equipment and a wish he could have been part of his father’s family farming community. After his retirement, Jim fulfilled this desire by driving large snowplows for A.P. Enterprises on a part-time basis.
During Jim’s senior year at Island Trees High School, he and Gail met through mutual friends and started dating. They had many wonderful times with a great group of friends. Jim loved having fun and enjoyed participating in the Senior Follies with his football teammates. They performed a ballet dance in tutu’s, which was a huge success.
Jim excelled at football in high school and was offered a full scholarship to the University of Wyoming. Instead, he worked for a year and decided to join the Navy due to the escalating war in Vietnam. After basic training, he was sent to Pensacola, Florida, for technical training while Gail was finishing a 2-year degree in liberal arts. They were married in December1966 and lived in Pensacola, where they enjoyed the beautiful weather and beaches. After that, Jim and Gail moved around the country and finally to the Philippines.
One of the highlights of Jim’s duty in the Philippines was his opportunity to play football for the naval base. He thoroughly enjoyed playing the sport he loved so much. His team did well against other military bases in the Philippines and even played in Tokyo.
Joy was born in the Philippines in May 1972. Three months later Jim was discharged from the Navy, and the family returned to Long Island. Once home, he decided to continue his education by attending SUNY Farmingdale, where he earned an Associate’s Degree in May 1974. Soon afterwards, Jim was hired at Eastman Kodak, and he and Gail decided to settle in Williamson. They looked forward to living near Carol and Jim May since they already had a well-established friendship, and Jim also loved the idea of living in a rural community. Shortly after moving, Jim and Gail were happily surprised to be included in Jim May’s extended family celebrations. Their warm and welcoming invitations meant a lot to them and led to wonderful friendships with the families.
Jim worked at Kodak for 35 years, from 1974 until his retirement in 2009. After working there for nearly 10 years, Jim decided to attend R.I.T. part time and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Technology in 1987. At Kodak he was awarded multiple patents for his work in digital camera systems, and he also participated in a variety of projects including the critical task of transitioning deteriorating Disney classic films to digital formats.
While at Kodak, Jim joined the karate program offered during lunch periods and enjoyed the opportunity to develop his fitness and skills. After achieving a high level of competency, he became an instructor and was happy to help others develop their skills and self-confidence. When Jim retired, he missed this program and the friendships he developed through it.
Jim sought ways to use his interests to support youth and joined the Rochester Chapter of Certified Football Officials. He loved the opportunity to reconnect with football and help high school athletes, and he was involved in this program for 40 years until 2015. After retiring from his active role, he continued to enjoy reconnecting with fellow football officials at their Annual Banquets.
When Chris joined Boy Scouts, Jim became a leader and enjoyed camping trips to the Adirondacks, helping scouts earn various badges and supporting scouts’ efforts to reach Eagle Scout rank. He served as a Boy Scout leader for over 25 years until his death.
Jim also used his natural mechanical and technical aptitude to help others. Throughout his life, he fixed a wide variety of broken equipment, appliances, toys, etc., etc. and often devised creative solutions to more challenging problems. Over time, he became “Mr. Fix-it” to family and friends.
After retirement Jim began working part-time at the Williamson Town Park and enjoyed assisting in its growth and development. Over the years, Jim’s role grew, and in 2024 he was offered the newly created Parks & Facilities Maintenance Supervisor position. He loved working at the park and was employed there until his death.
At home Jim enjoyed many happy times with Joy, Amy, John and Chris. Early years were full of tickle games, hide and seek and fun in the backyard pool. He supported them in their athletic interests, science fairs, dance recitals, concerts and plays and was very proud of their achievements, education, careers and families. He also enjoyed many wonderful family vacations. Jim treasured his last two vacations. A trip to St. Thomas with his wife Gail, sister Dianne, and youngest brother Jerry and his wife Astrid, was an amazing week of togetherness, fun and relaxation. In April, Jim also enjoyed a beautiful week in Florida playing with Amy’s children in the pools and relaxing with Gail, Amy’s family, John and Tami, and Chris.
During his life, Jim challenged himself to grow in many ways and had a positive impact at Kodak, in his community and at home. He was deeply loved and will remain forever in our hearts.
Calling Hours Thursday June 26, 2025 4-7PM at the Richard H. Keenan Funeral Home (Egypt Location)7501 Pittsford Palmyra Road. Funeral Mass Friday June 27, 2025 10AM at St. Mary’s on the Lake Church 5823 Walworth Road, Ontario.
In lieu of flowers please consider donations to
Williamson Volunteer Ambulance Service, Inc.
6334 Bennett St.
Williamson, NY 14589
26 responses to “Koudelka, James Richard”
Always a pleasure to work a football game with Jim
Prayers & Blessings
I met Jim as a fellow football official, He was always very affable and respectful of others. I enjoyed working games with him. His ever pleasant demeanor was refreshing and admirable. Rest in peace.
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Over the years we worked many football games together. You always knew that Jim would control the play in the middle of the field and you never had to worry about that. Always enjoyed working a game with the “big guy”. Rest in peace my friend.
Jim was a great friend of mine and I enjoyed his friendship both on and off the football field.
Sincere condolences to the family and friends.
I am so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. Even after all these years, I still cherish the kindness your family showed me and the memories we shared. Please know I’m holding you close in thought and wishing you comfort and peace.
I have such fond memories of my childhood with the Koudelka family—sleepovers, trips to Florida (with Jim driving the whole way!), and soccer camps. Mr. Koudelka was always so kind and welcoming. He left a lasting imprint on my childhood, and I’m truly grateful for those memories. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss. You have a lot of great memories that will last a lifetime.
I will miss Jim We really bonded when Joy&Tom bought there house,Jim and I worked every weekend for a few months to rehab the home you name it we did it from all new hardwood floors to plumbing and electrical, we also had great times on vacation , and holiday dinners the Koudelka family always treated us with open arms.We especially had so much fun traveling to Hunters hockey games and Kellyn volleyball games. We can all hold these memoriesb in our hearts ❤️Rest in peace my dear friend Al
I was welcomed into the family when Joy and Tom got married. I have so many memories of July 4th parties, Thanksgivings, Christmases, especially Jim’s “Ho Ho Ho, Merry Christmas”, vacations that we were generously invited to participate in, and; trips to Kellyn’s volleyball games and Hunter’s hockey games. I remember fondly when the entire family pitched in to help Joy and Tom remodel the home they bought. There wasn’t anything that Jim and my husband wouldn’t tackle. So many memories with Jim right there with us. He will truly be missed by everyone.
A brother is a little bit of childhood that can never be lost. The hard part wasn’t losing you, although that hurt so much; it is learning to live without you.
Rest in peace and love, big brother.
Jim was a good friend. We started doing football at about the same time, we studied rules together and came up together. I can’t even count the number of games we did together. After I retired from active field duties, I worked in the booth running the game clock and was always very happy to be on a game Jim was working. He made me feel like I was home.
My heartfelt condolences to the Koudelka family that Jim loved and leaves behind. May your most treasured memories fill your hearts in the days ahead and bring you comfort, and may memories of the warmth of his smile bring you peace.
Warm thoughts . . .
Nan
I am truly sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Jim was a kind and understanding friend. Starting my career with the RCCFO, Jim was always there to lend a hand and provide tips to help me as an up-and-coming Umpire. I try to emulate Jim and control the game from “the middle”. I always enjoyed talking and reminiscing at our banquets. God Speed. Rest in Peace Jim.
My condolences to the family. I’ve known Jim several years then in January 2023 I started working for him at the town park after I retired from the water department.It was a pleasure working for him he wasn’t just good coworker but a good friend too.He really loved the park it was his life and his passion and I can ensure you the family as long as I’m working there I will do everything I can to help keep his memory alive!
So sorry about Jim. We have worked together in scouting for many years. I will miss his steady advice and ever dependable assistance.
We spent a lot of nights camping and working with the Scouts. It will be tough finding a new advancement chairman for our Troop.
So sorry that I missed the calling hours today. I had heard Jim passed but did not see the obituary until this evening. Jim was a great neighbor to my Mom before she passed away and she spoke highly of him. I had the pleasure of being on the rec committee and working with Jim for the park. He did a lot to grow that park and I hope they honor him in some way there. My sincere condolences to your family
Joy , So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. I will keep you in my prayers!🙏It sounds like he was well loved .
Very sorry to hear the sad news. I have fond early memories of playing in pools and lakes with Uncle Jimmy. I remember that he was so strong and could throw us around in the pool. I remember driving the Van with a bunch of kids. It must have taken a lot of patience. I also remember him being very kind and patient.
Condolences to the Koudelka Family.
Our sincere sympathy to a wonderful family that has suffered such a great loss. Jim was involved in so many aspects of our town and our youth. He will be missed by so many of those he impacted thru scouts or sports. He was a great man.
Craig and Susan DeNagel
I knew Jim from our mutual attendance at the Ontario fitness center for the last ten years or so.We had many great conversations together.Both of us being U.S.Navy vets, we saw things pretty similarly in the world.I will miss him.
I first met Jim in an Isshin-ryū Karate class where he was a second degree black belt. While I didn’t progress very far in karate, I was glad to see him again when I joined the Pultneyville Mariners Club where he has been a key contributing member. In both places, he was an excellent role model.
Met and knew Jim from Pultneyville Mariners. He was a true asset and always working on something but never too busy not to have a conversation and see how your day was going. My deepest sympathy to the family and friends who knew him well. Miss you
On behalf of everyone at Pentalpha Surveillance, we would like to express our deepest condolences. In honor of Jim’s memory and his lasting impact, we would like to make a donation to the Williamson Volunteer Ambulance Service, Inc. Please let us know the appropriate steps or contact information needed to complete this donation in his name.
It is with great sadness that we said goodbye to Jim Koudelka yesterday. We were very blessed to have the Koudelka family as our neighbors for many years after settling in Williamson. Jim was always around to help my husband with any home issues or repairs–not to mention the numerous times he plowed our driveway in addition to his own. There were too many acts of kindness and caring to write about in this space. Our families share some wonderful memories due to their support and friendship. Jim will be missed by everyone that was fortunate enough to have known him. May the many stories of Jim’s kindness and caring shown to all of us be a comfort for your family while you grieve the loss of this special man. You will all remain close in our hearts and thoughts.
With Much love,
The Stohr Family
Dear Gail, and family.
Surrounding you and the children with love and prayers.
May your heart smile when you recall all the family adventures you and Jim shared.
Walk gently dear friend as you navigate through this heavy time. Our deepest sympathies.
Barbara and George Corbett