James George Konnick

James G. Konnick P.E. of Falls Church, VA passed away in the early hours of June 4th at his home surrounded by family after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. James was born in Brooklyn, New York on March 25, 1952. As a young boy, he loved playing baseball and football with neighborhood friends. He would often stay with his Baba after school and watch her make perogies and learn more about his heritage. It was his whole childhood that shaped his love for family. He has many fond memories of his sisters playing tricks on him and all their family events.

Mr. Konnick is a 1970 graduate of the nationally renowned Brooklyn Technical High School. At Brooklyn Tech he met many dear friends that he still holds close to his heart. James was the captain of the 1969 Championship football team and took great pride in that title. The team was inducted into the Brooklyn Tech High School Football Hall of Fame on November 10, 2019. He had a way of connecting with people and bringing people together in a way that was admirable and inspiring. He was also a 1975 graduate of Northeastern University where he received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.

Mr. Konnick had his own engineering practice, JGK Structural Engineers, P.C. established in 1985. His office at home may have always been a mess, but in the words of James “It’s an organized mess! Don’t touch anything!” He was also assistant professor of engineering at Northern Virginia Community College in Alexandria, VA.

James was an avid baseball watcher. He was a huge fan of the New York Mets no matter how many times they played horribly. He was a fantastic husband, always thoughtful and making special meals. He was a beloved father, always visiting Emma and Robert wherever they were and welcoming them home with a warm embrace when they returned. In his final months, his family cared for him day in and day out. He couldn’t have wanted anything more. He watched his favorite movies on repeat, played all his old records, reminisced on memories, looked through many pictures, and gave endless hugs.

He is survived by his wife of 26 years Janet as well as their children Emma and Robert and his two other sons, Aaron and Sam from his previous marriage in addition to two grandchildren Ethan and Miles. He is also survived by his sister Lorraine O’Neill and her daughter Debra Ann Bishop. A sister Patricia Stremel proceeded him in death in 2019. Patricia’s children include Joseph Stremel, James Stremel, and Cheryl Sperberg.

He was admired by many and will be dearly missed. Jim was a hard working man who was the center of his family. He loved his heritage, engineering, his French Roast coffee, having family in his house, his dear friends and loved walking his best friend Brooklyn the boxer several times a day.

There will be visitation hours on Wednesday June 10th. They will be managed by a ticket system as there are only allowed 25 people at a time, so we ask you please be mindful. There will also be a Catholic Mass Thursday June 11th at St. James Church. All locations require you to wear a mask or entry will be denied. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Brooklyn Tech High School in Mr. Konnick’s name https://www.bthsalumni.org/donate or Project Purple under “Team Konnick” https://raceroster.com/events/2020/28620/push-pull-for-pancreatic-cancer-2020/pledge/team/262035