James W. Kovarik Sr.

February 10, 1932 - April 18, 2020

James W. Kovarik, Sr., age 88, of Glen Carbon, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2020, at his residence. He was born February 10, 1932, in Glen Carbon, the son of the late Charles L. & Hilda C. (Weiler) Kovarik. Jim worked in the construction business in the Glen Carbon area for many years. He married Glenda J. Weber on February 13, 1953, in Glen Carbon, she preceded him in death on May 7, 1998. Jim is survived by two sons, James W. Kovarik, Jr. & wife, Michelle, of Glen Carbon and Andrew C. Kovarik & wife, Kim, of Edwardsville; daughter, Jamie Foster & husband, Shedrick, of Glen Carbon; eight grandchildren, Hana Olliges & husband, Race, Jacob Foster, Gayla Osborn & husband, Jonathan, Laura, Joseph, & Maria Kovarik, Megan & Ryan Kovarik; and two great grandchildren, Brynn & Maxene Olliges; and his girlfriend, Joleen Grosze. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Franklin B. & Charles H. Kovarik; and one sister Isabelle M. “Isy” Schreiber. Jim was a member of St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church in Glen Carbon. He loved being outside working in his garden, mowing the grass, and bird watching. He was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. A private family graveside service will be held at Buck Road Cemetery in Maryville, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to Treehouse Wildlife Center, Inc.