James M. Kowalczik

ILION - It is with broken hearts that we announce the sudden and tragic passing of James (Jamie) M. Kowalczik, age 43, who died in a car accident on June 18, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Born in Utica on May 10, 1982, Jamie was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished friend, and all-around kind soul. He is survived by his beloved wife, Justina, and their two young children, Kiersten (8) and Kevin (6), who were the lights of his life and his greatest pride.

Jamie was at peace most when surrounded by nature, whether hiking through the woods, tending to his garden, or relaxing by a campfire at his favorite place on earth, Piseco Lake. He found joy in the simple things: a good song on the radio, a home-cooked meal shared with family, the scent of pine trees, and the warmth of summer night.

He was a passionate cook who loved experimenting in the kitchen, often turning everyday - meals into feasts. A true kitchen patriarch, Jamie found joy and purpose in feeding the people he loved. Whether it was slow-smoked brisket, char-grilled ribs, or fiery long hots that dared to be eaten, every meal was a gesture of devotion.

To know Jamie was to know warmth, humor, and deep compassion. He showed up for people, offered support without hesitation, and had a way of making others feel heard and seen. His absence leaves a space that cannot be filled, but the love he gave lives on in those who were lucky enough to know him.

Jamie received his Bachelor’s Degree in Network Administration from SUNY Morrisville in 2007. Jamie’s passion for Information Technology was central to who he was. For over 25 years, he served in the SUNY system, most recently promoted to Senior Network Administrator for SUNY ITEC, earning the respect and trust of all who worked with him. He had a rare ability to make complex systems work better for people, often creating automations and efficiencies that saved time and improved operations. No matter the challenge, Jamie found solutions, often putting in extra hours to ensure things were done right. His impact lives on not only in the improvements he has made, but in the hearts of those who had the privilege of working alongside him.

In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his parents, John and Sharon Losier Kowalczik, his siblings, John Kowalczik, Julie Steele (Clint Healy), and Jeff (Beth) Kowalczik, mother-in-law Darlene Russett, father-in-law Eric O’Neil, step father-in-law William Russett, brother-in-law Aaron Russett, sister-in-laws Shawna (Garth) Coveny, Brianna Bouck, Jasmine Zinkovitch, Justina’s grandfather Robert O’Neil, and his beloved Losier aunts and uncles, Kathy (David) Williams, Patricia (Bill) Albin, Paul (Linda) Losier, and Tom (Theresa) Losier. He will be missed by his nieces and nephews, Michael, Andrew, Emma, Addie, Kenzie, Kaison, Brantley, Heavenly, Ezra, Ivy, Deacon, Isabella and Willow, and a wide circle of friends who will carry his memory with them always. Lastly, he was part of a very elite group we call The Losier Cousins who will all miss him greatly.

A funeral service, as we partake in a celebration of Jamie’s life, will be held on June 29th at Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home in Ilion, NY from 12-3pm. This will be calling hours at the funeral home, located at 4309 Acme Road, followed by a funeral home Catholic prayer service at 3:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made for a college fund for Kiersten and Kevin.

He left this world far too soon, but his spirit lives on in every sunrise over Piseco Lake, every song shared in the car, and every quiet evening around the fire.

Rest peacefully, Jamie. You were deeply loved, and you will be deeply missed.

Arrangements are in care of the longtime family friends at Enea, Ciaccia, & Applegate Funeral Directors (315) 894-8000. This obituary may be viewed by visiting www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.