James Kadziolka Obituary

James Michael Kadziolka, of Navarre Beach, Florida, and a longtime resident of Birmingham, Alabama, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2025, at the age of 74. Born on August 9, 1950, in Buffalo, New York, Jim lived a life marked by dedication, warmth, and a deep love for his family, friends, and community.
A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, Jim served from 1969 to 1970 at Keesler Air Force Base and later at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida, from 1970 to 1976. It was during his time in Panama City that he developed a profound appreciation for the beauty of the Gulf Coast, a region he dreamed of calling home in retirement.
After earning his degree in Air Traffic Control, Jim relocated to Birmingham, Alabama, in 1977, where he served as an Air Traffic Controller at Birmingham International Airport. As a member of the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO), he was among the more than 11,000 controllers affected by the 1981 strike. Transitioning to a new career path, Jim found his calling in the automotive industry, beginning at Ivan Leonard Chevrolet. He later joined the Tom Williams Automotive Group in Birmingham, where he played a pivotal role in overseeing the construction of the Tom Williams Porsche/Audi dealership in Irondale, Alabama. Jim served as General Manager of the dealership until his retirement in 2012.
True to his dream, Jim retired to Navarre Beach, Florida, in 2012, where he pursued a successful career in real estate with Coldwell Banker Real Estate. Known for his charismatic personality, sharp wit, and genuine compassion, Jim was a true "people person" who touched the lives of many. His generous heart extended to his passion for fostering and adopting animals, a cause close to his heart.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, John Benjamin Kadziolka, Jr., and Virginia B. Kadziolka.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 32 years, Lori Conner Kadziolka; daughters, Natalie LeSueur (Jason), and Brandi Carbonie, both of Birmingham, Alabama; stepson, Sean Patrick Carroll; grandchildren, Jordan LeSueur Baggett, Dylan LeSueur, Chad Carbonie, and Chase Carbonie; brothers, John Kadziolka and Gary Kadziolka (Kim), both of Buffalo, New York; his canine companion Stella; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who will cherish his memory.
Arrangements are under the care of Lewis Funeral Home in Navarre, Florida, and will be announced at a later date.
The family requests that memorial donations be made in Jim's name to Saving with Soul Pet Rescue of NWFL, a nonprofit organization dedicated to animal welfare, at savingwithsoul.com.
John 14:1-3 "Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." NKJV.