JAMES OMACHINSKI

Jim, age 88, died on Saturday, November 6, 2010 from complications from pneumonia. He was born at home on February 20, 1922 in Menasha to Mary M. (Marsh) and Antone F. Omachinski. He married Loretta Gilhart in November 9, 1946 and resided in Menasha all of his life. Jim served in the U. S. Armed Forces during World War II, based in Burma and China. He was a member of the BASHA No. 2 of the China-Burma-India Club and served as secretary. He was also called to serve during the Korean War. Following his time in the military service, Jim worked for the George Banta Company in Menasha for 22 years as a linotype operator. On February 15, 1961, Jim was appointed by President John F. Kennedy to be the Menasha Postmaster. He was Postmaster for 25 years before retiring on February 28, 1986. He was a member of the NAPUS Association of Postmasters and the Wisconsin Postmasters Association throughout his years as Postmaster. Jim was an avid Democrat and active in the Winnebago County Democrats as Sixth District Treasurer. Jim was a member of the Menasha Elks Club, served as Exalted Ruler of the Elks in 1981 and as Secretary for many years. He also was active in the Menasha Lions Club and served as a member of the St. Marys Central, St. Johns and Menasha School Boards for several years. He enjoyed reading, golf, playing cards with friends and watching the Wisconsin Badgers and Green Bay Packers and had been a life-long Chicago Cubs fan. Jim was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Menasha and served as an Usher and Trustee for many years. James is survived by his wife of 64 years, Loretta and their two sons: David (Carla) Omachinski (Oshkosh) and their children Kim (Milwaukee) and Scott (Chicago); Greg (Cheryl) Omachinski (Menasha) and their daughters: Aubree (Menasha) and Autumn (DJ) Farrell and their son Alex (Appleton); grandsons: David Kohanski Jr. and William Kohanski (Milwaukee) and his three children: Kelly, Justin and Joseph Kohanski as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents John Jr. and Anna (Sheyick) Omachinski and great"grandparents Dennis and Anna (Eskowski) Marsh. He was also preceded in death by two daughters: Catherine Ann Omachinski and Christine Mary Kohanski; five brothers and sister in laws: Harry (Leva) Omar, Walter Omachinski, Florian Omachinski, John (Barbara) Omachinski, Alfred (Gert) Omachinski and three sisters and brother in law: Marcella (Collins) (Steve) Blake, Irene (Mello) Pifher and Sister Mary Evelyn (Gertrude) Omachinski. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Johns Catholic Church, Menasha on Wednesday, November 10, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until the hour of service. Interment will be in St. Johns Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.