Dr. James E. Pawloski

PAWLOSKI, Dr. James E., died May 23, 2012 at Avalon Hospice. Jim, born October 10, 1927 at the original St. Joseph Hospital in Flint, was the son of John and Louise (Cutler) Pawloski. He was a 1946 graduate of St. Matthew High School, where he played varsity sports, and was honored to be a frequent altar server for Fr. Luke M. Powers. He earned his bachelor’s degree in 1950 at St. Joseph College in Indiana. While studying for his master’s degree at the University of Detroit, he was accepted into the U of D Dental School. In 1956 he received his D.D.S. degree, and became a lifetime member of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon honor fraternity. He married Maria Lechert on June 10, 1952 in Hamtramck, MI.

Jim served as a dentist in the U.S. Army from 1957 – 1959, and was stationed at the Pentagon as well as in a mobile dental unit at multiple Nike missile sites in Michigan. Afterward, he opened his private practice in Flint on Robert T. Longway Blvd. In the late 1980s, “Doc” became an associate of Dr. C. Patrick Gray and continued his denture work until 2011.

He currently was a member of All Saints Catholic Church, as well as Holy Redeemer parish when his family was young. Jim was an active member of the Genesee Catholic Area Board and very involved in the funding and building of Powers Catholic High School, as well as a regular volunteer once the school was opened in 1970.

Jim was an outdoorsman: he loved fishing, hunting, flower and vegetable gardening, raising rabbits, laying hens, and homing pigeons. He was a long-time member of the Flint Pigeon Club and raced pigeons for many years.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of nearly sixty years, Maria; four children: Roxanne (Robert) Brunger and Susan Almaraz of Flushing, MI, Mary Pawloski of Dexter, MI, and Dr. John (Brenda) Pawloski of Columbus, GA; five grandchildren: Catherine Pawloski, Claire Pawloski, Emma Callard, Sam Pawloski, and Ben Pawloski; beloved cousins Robert Standal, Madalyn Underwood, and Philip Briggs; dear friends Jim and Joann Ruhala, Ron and Marge Sielski; sister-in-law Ann Skwarek; many nieces, nephews and godchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions in Jim’s name to Avalon Hospice, North End Soup Kitchen, or the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan.

The family wishes to thank the warm and caring staff of Avalon Hospice, and the other angels on earth who helped Dad and our family during these difficult times.