I hired Jim to become a member of the Medtronic Chicago District out of South Bend.  He did a wonderful job and we ultimately moved Jim and his lovely family to Chicago where again he accomplished superb sales and Teamwork.  A kind, talented and humble person, respected and admired.  We continued to have contact occasionally throughout his Medtronic career.  Think of him and Kathy often.

Was sad to hear of Jim's passing, but glad to know he was a fellow Christian and brother in the Lord.  Will be happy to see him when my time comes.  I met Jim when we both worked together at K-Mart back in 1971.  We became great friends and I played my first game of golf with Jim and his dad Thad at a beautiful course up in Michigan.  We played tennis during the summer all the time before the lights went out at the courts in Mishawaka.  We even went on a camping/canoeing trip on the White Pigeon River where when driving down a country road we stopped when a pheasant crossed the road in front of us .  I stopped the car and got out to see it and found a stash of beer (like six cases) that we figured kids had dumped probably being chased by cops or something.  Anyway, we loaded the beer into the car and cut our camping trip short and drove back to South Bend and threw a party for our friends from K-Mart and we supplied the beer !!!   That was a wonderful summer that I will always treasure.  After that I went into the Navy and he went to college and we lost touch after that.  I thought about him through the years and even tried to find him using the internet several years ago with no success.  I now wish I had tried harder as I always wanted to talk to him and find out how his life had turned out.  It sounds like it went well for him.  I'll always smile when I think about him.  May God's Peace be with his family.

So so sorry to hear about Jim. I remember going to the lake house as a small kid when my grandparents owned it, and then getting invited up every year as a big kid when you guys owned it. When we came to visit, Jim always took us out to tube or ski. He was the cool Dad and you could tell he enjoyed our joy. I always got a kind vibe from him. I’m sending you all love and hugs. 

Kathy and family

I am so sorry and in disbelief that this has happened to such a great person and family. I remember meeting both of you when we were in our 20’s at Steve and Mary K’s home playing games. I have some great memories up on Donnell Lk. living almost next door to your lake place. You are in my prayers.

Ray Barna

Seeing Jim daily walking Cosmo when I take the kids to the bus, I think I will miss the most.  He always had such a joy about him.   I remember one of our last conversations, talking about how he was sending Kathy on a girls weekend because he loved her so much.  I think at that time it may have been Maine, and they were both going to Savannah after that.  It was clear to us as neighbors that he loved God and family.  Rest in peace my wonderful neighbor.  

What a great friend and family man, Jim was.  He was a quiet prayer warrior for many over the years.   His trust in Jesus as his Lord and Savior kept him humble and very gracious to others.  Both he and Kathy were the first to step up to help others.  Jim could propose and deliver a toast at a moments notice that always captured the attention and appreciation of those present.     His humor was in good fun, from the sayings on tee shirts he displayed to his sending a putter to timeout in the closet for underwhelming performance.  Mary and I are proud to call Jim and Kathy our friends.  God bless.

Jim and I worked together when he became the RVP with Medtronic in Atlanta.  I remember him as a truly caring gentleman who cared deeply about family as well as his mission as RVP.  He was always kind, funny and considerate.  I knew he lived in Acworth, but did not realize we both attended church at St Clare of Assisi.  Although we moved to St Mary’s, Ga, we are still streaming church services from St Clare’s.  Joe and I were sorry to hear of his passing and extend sincere condolences to Kathy and his family.

Our deepest sympathies. We have such fond memories of Jim from summers on Donnell Lake.  We will always remember Jim’s creative and impromptu toasts that would describe the situation perfectly! We cherished our friendship and always loved visiting with Jim & Kathy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Kathy and family during this difficult time.  
Kevin & Shari Ivkovich 

Too many memories, laughs and loves to count with Jim and Kathy!  We have traveled the world with them from Hawaii to Europe to all over the Caribbean on several cruises.  Lots of great times at the Michigan lake house and countless memories in Georgia being neighbors for 20 years.  Jim's love for Kathy and his family was boundless and our hearts break for them to lose Jim so young.  There is not a better or more faithful family in this world.  We love you all so very much!  

Jim we are really going to miss you here at Donnell Lake. We really enjoyed the times that we shared with you and Kathy at the neighborhood gatherings. I am glad that you retired when you did so that you could enjoy life.

Dick & Dorothy Mickey

Prayers are with you during this difficult time.  Hope you feel the loving arms of your family, friends and most of all, God surrounding you. Jim was such a great person and will be missed.

So sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. I went to Mishawaka High School with Jim. We were in home room together and had a lot of good times and laughs. Cherish all of your precious memories. May he Rest In Peace🙏🏻🙏🏻

I first met Jim at one of the many Medtronic national gatherings when we were geographically isolated colleagues, he somewhere "up north," and I in Atlanta.  Quite soon, we realized that we shared a love for performance cars and a similar regret about the sacrifices that our families endured so that we could succeed at Medtronic.  It was apparent to me that Jim had a deep love for his family and a passion for success in business.  Later, when Jim came to Atlanta, I was overjoyed to be able to "pop in" to see him in his office from time to time (though we were still technically "geographically isolated" on the org chart), and I was thrilled when he joined me one day for a performance demo in my car on Interstate 285.  Jim was a gentle, loving, kind, bright, and sincere man.  I'll cherish his memory and pray for his family whom he loved so openly and honestly.

To Jim's family,
I am so saddened to hear the news of Jim's passing. While it has been years since our Medtronic day's our friendship was strong and time never mattered in the time that passed since we last saw one another. Each time we refreshed our conversations, Jim made you think you were the most important person in the world at that moment. His laugh, his genuine nature, and sincerity will be greatly missed. 

My deepest thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Pat Mahoney

I met Jim and Kathy through my husband Bill who now shares a place in Heaven with Jim.  We went boating on their lake in Michigan when Kathy was pregnant with her oldest daughter.  We kept in touch through the years when Jim and Kathy would come back to South Bend for St. Joe high school reunions.  We had the best chats and shared memories and stories.  I’ll keep the “Laz” family in my prayers as I know the coming months will be challenging.  Give it to God and you will get through this.  Much love to all.    Jan Mitchell

I worked with Jim at Medtronic for many years.....we alway shared stories and good times when were able to get together at National Sales Meetings or educational training events.....time passes so quickly and I was saddened to hear of Jim’s passing having worked so hard for so many years.....my sincerest sympathy’s and condolences to your family .......Damian Wesoly

Jim was my oldest and dearest friend.  He was my fraternity room mate,  where we also met our future wives.  We were in each others weddings .  We became ER Techs at St Joe Med Center,  which precluded our future careers in the medical field.  Though life separated us, when we got together, it was as if I saw him the previous day.  So few words for so many fond memories.  Will miss you bro.

Jim was my manager and friend during his time as RVP  with Medtronic. He was a passionate visionary in the Cardiac Rhythm space during his career. The patient always came first!
Jim was also a marvelous mentor and friend to all of his direct reports. He put the welfare of his people over his own interests, a key trait of all successful managers. I learned so much from him. 
Jim was totally dedicated to Kathy and his daughters. He loved them so much, and would proudly tell stories of family activities and successes. 
I will miss you my friend, until we meet again.  Rest In Peace and glory. Love you brother!

Jim worked for me in Chicago, he was a model salesman for all, most of all he loved Kathy and the girls , you were his life, I’m sorry  for your loss. 

I had the distinct honor of hiring this most honorable, caring and talented Sales representative for South Bend, Indiana, his family home.  We than transferred Jim and his family to Chicago where he excelled in every  respect. I’ve watched Jim’s career with Medtronic for over thirty years and always smiled proudly with his success.  I offer my deepest condolence to Kathy and their children.  

My friend, coworker, golfing partner and sidekick!  Jim was my friend for over 30 years we have been there for weddings, births, funerals and I will miss him until we meet again, we always parted with these words LOVE YOU BROTHER!

Kathy and Family...
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as we express our deepest sympathy. Jim was a wonderful man and a great friend. May God’s presence and comfort be with you now and always.
Jeff & Renee Murray

Jim and I were like brothers we met over 30 years ago working for Medtronic and saw our careers overlap time and time again.  We were together for our children’s graduations and weddings and thru major health scares!  I could always count on him in tough times to show up for support .  I will miss him until we meet again!

OBITUARY

James "Jim" Thad Laskowski

19 August, 1953 – 2 February, 2021

Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home and Memorial Park

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