Date of Birth: May 9, 1935
Date of Death: March 12, 2024
James (Jim) Novak was born on May 9, 1935, the oldest son of John and Annie Novak of the Waldron area. He attended St. Antal School. Jim and Emilia were married June 17, 1957, in St. Mary’s Church in Grayson. After they were married, they farmed for 36 years in the Waldron district. Due to Jim’s health (MS), they sold the farm in 1993 and moved to Melville to retire. Jim was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was active in hockey and ball; so were his children. Many hours were spent playing floor hockey in the hay loft after school. Jim was a Yankees fan and always cheered loud for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Jim is survived by his wife, Emilia; sister Katie Grainger; brother Rudy Novak; sister Gloria Yuzik; his children, Debbie (Robert), Murray, Danny, Lucy (Darcy), Carol (Vaughn), Darren (Dodi) and Michelle (Keith); numerous nieces, nephews, grandkids and great-grandkids. Jim was predeceased by parents John and Annie Novak; sister Rosie Gelowitz; brother-in-law George Gelowitz; sister-in-law Loretta Novak; and brother-in-law Lorne Grainger.
Jim passed away peacefully at the age of 88 years old with family at his side on Tuesday, March 12, 2024.
A vigil service was held for Jim on Friday, March 15, 2024, at Matthews Funeral Home, Melville, with Deacon Dave Hudy presiding. Murray Novak gave the eulogy and Don and Virginia Battiste provided the music and led the singing of the hymns. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Saturday, March 16, 2024, at St. Henry’s Roman Catholic Church, Melville, with Rev. Fr. Michal Pajak celebrating. Len Gadica provided the music, Dodi Novak and Robert Riess were the readers. The Knights of Columbus formed an honour guard. Interment took place in St. Henry’s Parish Cemetery with Ryan Riess, Jason Riess, Adam Mountney, Riley Mountney, Carter Novak and Mason Novak acting as pallbearers.
Arrangements were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Melville.
