James J. Sawka

James J. Sawka, a lifelong native son of Philadelphia, died Friday, October 25, 2024; he was 76 (and just shy of his 77th birthday, November 4).

Born in Philadelphia, Jim was the son of the late Julia (Kaczur) and John Sawka.  He was raised in the Northern Liberties section of the city on 5th Street, just south of Girard Avenue.  Jim was a graduate of St. Peter's Elementary School and Roman Catholic High School. 

While working part time and attending Temple University, he enlisted in the US Air Force in December of 1966 and was assigned to the 408th Munitions Maintenance Squadron with his last assignment being with the 834th Tactical Wing which served at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, South Vietnam, to become the controlling agency for theater airlift operations in South Vietnam. It served as a single manager for all tactical airlift operations in South Vietnam, using air transport to haul cargo and troops, which were air-landed or air-dropped.  Jim was discharged from the Air Force at Eglin AF with the rank of Sergeant (E4) in 1970, just shy of serving two years in Viet Nam due to injuries suffered during his tour.  

Jim worked in transportation for the Philadelphia Inquirer for 25 years and was a proud member of Teamsters Local 628.  He also served as a tractor trailer instructor while working at the Inquirer.  

He loved watching NASCAR; he also enjoyed fishing (deep sea fishing out of Margate) and hunting with his family and friends.  Jim was a member of Holmesburg Fish and Game and VFW Post 3020. 

Jim met Pat Czechowicz while working at the Commercial Exchange in the Bourse Building before he enlisted in the Air Force; they married in June of 1970. 

Jim is survived by his wife Patricia (Czechowicz); his daughter, Kristin Sawka; his son, James J. Sawka (Regina); his son Michael Sawka; his granddaughter, Kylie Sawka; and his brother, Eugene Sawka.  He is predeceased by his sister, Barbara Brinkman (the late Joseph Brinkman). 

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Tuesday at 10 AM at Christ the King Roman Catholic Church.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 noon.  Burial, with Military Honors, will follow at Washington Crossing National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's memory may be made to the Kidney Foundation or American Diabetes Association.  

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