James R. Kocik Sr., 79, of Baldwinsville, NY, passed away on Thursday, September 11, 2025, after a long illness with his wife by his side and his family in his heart.

Jim was born on December 14, 1945, in Binghamton, NY, to John and Helen Kocik, and was the youngest of ten children. He had a successful lifelong career at AT&T and moved with his wife and children to Baldwinsville in 1973, where he resided for the majority of his life.

He is preceded in death by his parents and siblings Margaret Cherevko, Edward Kocik, Helen Kocik, John Kocik, and Rita Marvell.

Jim is survived by his wife of 59 years, Kathryn (Hannas); his children James Kocik, Jr. and wife Tracy of Baldwinsville, daughter Kimberly Wilcox and husband Gregory of Baldwinsville, and son Jeffery Kocik of Orlando, FL; grandchildren Erika Wilcox, Christian Kocik, Jenna Kocik and Brendan Wilcox; siblings Veronica Kocik, Joseph (Alice) Kocik, Mary Ann Palazzo and Barbara (Bruce) Banas; many nieces and nephews; and five loving cats.

He was a Veteran of the US Army, drafted in 1965 to fight in the 4th Infantry Division in Vietnam. Jim was kind, generous, brilliant, a self-taught, meticulous craftsman/contractor, and voracious reader. He grilled an awesome steak, knew how to throw a great party ("no cheap vodka"), and enjoyed golf in his earlier years—even achieving a hole-in-one (12,500:1 odds). He loved his family more than life, always concerned for everyone's happiness.

The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the kind and caring nursing staff at SUNY Upstate in 5-A, 5-B, and ICUs 6-I and 6-H—and a special shout-out to Allie ("Allie Cat"), his favorite nurse of all time.

The family will greet friends and family on Friday, September 19, 2025, at 10:30 AM at St. Augustine's Church, 733 O'Brien Rd., Baldwinsville, NY, with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the CNY Cat Coalition: https://www.cnycatcoalition.org/donate

Please sign the Maurer Funeral Home on-line guestbook for James to express your condolences to his family.