James "Jim" David Pawlak, 77, passed away on August 5, 2022 as a result of complications from heart surgery in Temple, Texas.  Jim was born on July 25, 1945, to Vincent John and Doris Lorene Pawlak (Weum) in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  While growing up, Jim worked with his father at the Pawlak Auto Garage and admired street racers. In fact there was not a time when he didn't pass up a good street race.  The local cops of this small town knew of "Jimmy" and his love of fast cars.  Knowing that he needed to grow-up, Jim left high school before graduating and enlisted into the U.S Army where he was stationed in California (Basic Training), then stationed at Fort Hood, Texas. Where he ultimately was deployed to Vietnam.

After returning from Vietnam, Jim continued serving his country at Fort Hood. After President Kennedy was shot, he was part of the troop that shut down the air space over Dallas. Shortly afterwards he was honorably discharged and moved back to Minnesota. Where he soon afterwards moved to Stevens Point, WI with his brother Dennis and worked as a bartender. This is where he met the love of his life, Annette.  During their courtship, Jim and Annette enjoyed picnics and the Central Wisconsin scenery by either jumping on the motorcycle or driving in one of the 1 ^st Camaros before Chevy introduced them.  Even though they only dated 4 months, Jim knew Annette was the one he wanted to share the rest of his life with, so on September 9, 1967 they were married.  Three years later they welcomed the 1 ^st of their two children, Janel, then shortly after their second, Jeremy.  Jim knew he would have to give up his love of motorcycles and the car racing world for a while.  He dedicated his time to becoming a loyal and loving husband and father. Jim worked in several  sales positions from Temple Gamble Store, Jewel T, and Duro-Test Lighting.  Although his work kept him traveling across WI during the week, Jim always enjoyed coming back to his family at the end of every week where they would enjoy dinners together and attend mass at St. Stephens Catholic Church – where the kids went to school.  In fact, Jim was involved in the local chapter of the Knights of Columbus where he worked his way up to a third-degree knight.

Always wanting a better life for his family, Jim moved the family south to Flower Mound, Texas in 1988 where he was promoted to Regional Sales Manager.  It was this time where he once again embraced his Catholic faith and became a 4 ^th degree knight which is the Patriotic Degree that reminds the knights of their duty to God and country.  This was very fitting for Jim as he was an honorably discharged Vietnam Veteran and a dedicated husband and father.  Jim also served in many roles within the 4 ^th degree , such as the Assembly's Faithful Navigator and Color Corp Commander. After 25+ years, the company closed and Jim was hired as the VP Commercial Sales for a small, family-owned business – H&H Industries. During this time Jim not only managed a growing sales force, but also ran the sales booths for conventions and set up the award ceremonies (Court of Honor) for the top sales individuals.  Jim found delight in this new position, as the owner of the company was a Patriotic family man himself and even rode a Harley Davidson bike.  This once again sparked Jim's interest in purchasing his own Harley so that he could once again enjoy the freedom he felt by riding and visiting the mecca of Motorcycle enthusiasts, Sturgis Rally in South Dakota.  Although his wife would not get on the bike now, he still continued to nudge her to try it again.

After the kids were both married, Jim and Annette retired from their jobs and sold their house to purchase a 44-foot RV where they would drive to various states and enjoy their time together.  His love for staying busy lead him to continue working on contract with H&H.  Then in an effort to be closer to their grandchildren, Jim and Annette settled in Georgetown at the New Life RV Park where they have become close friends with several of their neighbors.  Jim also joined the Knights of Columbus as a Fourth Degree Knight at St. Helens Catholic Church in Georgetown.  Still not able to sit down, Jim decided to embark on another working adventure – this time driving a school bus for Georgetown ISD.  There he enjoyed driving for field trips, passing out meals during the summers/COVID-19 shut down, washing buses, as well as welcoming each and every one of the kids each morning and evening. Jim worked contract for H&H Industries and drove a school bus until his untimely death.  Even though a failing heart took him away from this world, his loving heart for his wife, children, grandchildren, sister, brothers, friends and school children will be remembered by all forever.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Vincent John Pawlak and Doris Lorene Pawlak (Weum); sister Doris Ann Pawlak.  He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Annette; his children Janel Smith (Travis) and Jeremy (Celena); his eight grandkids Carina Pawlak, Mira Pawlak, Julia Pawlak, Sophia Pawlak, Savina Smith, Alex Smith, Vincent Pawlak, and Anthony Pawlak; his sister Diane Swanson (Donny) of Blaine, MN and brothers Lloyd Pawlak (Judy) of Detroit Lakes, MN, Dennis Pawlak (Sue) of Stevens Point, WI, and Tom Pawlak (Betty) of Wahpeton, ND.

A rosary and visitation service will be held on Thursday, August 11, 2022 at Ramsey Funeral Home located at 5600 Williams Drive, Georgetown, TX from 7:00pm to 9:00pm with the Rosary at 7pm.  A Catholic Mass will be held on Friday, August 12, 2022 at 10:00am at St. Helen's Catholic Church located at 2700 E. University Ave., Georgetown, TX 78626. A grave site Military Ceremony will be held on Friday, August 12, 2022 at 3:00pm at Fort Hood Army Base.