James Chonko

James J. Chonko (Jim, Jimmy, Papa), age 68, of Trussville, AL, passed away suddenly on Saturday, September 6 at St. Vincent's Hospital East. He was born August 1, 1946 in Waterbury, CT, son of the late John and Mary (Waranowicz) Chonko; sister of Marilyn Cisek; and preceded in death by his brother, David Chonko. Jim was a 1964 graduate of Naugatuck High School and Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force who went on to earn degrees in engineering and computer science. He worked as an engineer for companies including Elscint in CT and Raytheon in VA, positions that frequently took him around the world. Most recently he worked as Senior Customer Engineer with Toshiba American Medical Systems where he was proud to install and work on heart and vascular lab equipment for the Bruno Pediatric Heart Center and Neonatal Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at the Children's Hospital of Alabama. A loved husband, father, and grandfather, Jim was a smart, compassionate, and funny man who enjoyed traveling across the globe, roadtrips with his wife, coffee with his daughters, watching sports with his son-in-laws, and playtime with his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife, JoAnn (Lucchina) Chonko, with whom he was married for over 45 years; daughter, Rebecca (Jason) Moellinger of Mountain Brook, AL and their sons, Joseph and Carl; daughter, Lauri (Gary) Boone of Rochester, NY and their daughter Maria; and preceded in death by his infant son, Robert Chonko, whom we are certain welcomed Jim into heaven to join Our Father and family and friends who have passed. A private celebration of Jim's life will be held this week for his family. In lieu of flowers, donations "in memory of James Chonko" can be made to Children's of Alabama Pediatric Heart Center, 1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233. Please share memories of Jim atJMGardens.com.