James J. Chmelar

James J. Chmelar, 55, of Leander, TX (formerly Emporium, PA) passed away at his home on August 29, 2013, after a 2 year battle with Glioblastoma (brain cancer).   Jim was a kind, loving, and compassionate man.

Jim was born on September 22, 1957 in St. Mary’s, PA, son of the late Leopold and JoAnn (Barr) Chmelar.  He was a 1975 graduate of Cameron County High School and held numerous degrees such as Bachelor degrees in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and Fire Science from Empire State University.  Jim also served as a deputy sheriff in Cameron County, as well as volunteering 20+ years in both the fire and ambulance departments as a fire fighter/EMT.

Jim has spent the majority of his career as a Quality Engineer, and in the oil industry.  His work took him to far flung reaches of the globe including China, Romania, and Russia.   In more recent years, since Jim’s relocation to Texas, he has been most well known as a doting grandfather, and even earned the title of “The Best Tickler in the West”.  Jim worshiped at Living Water Lutheran Church, where he has an even larger “Family” who has shared love and support over the past several years.  Jim’s greatest joy in life was loving and taking care of his family, listening to music, playing the guitar, and giving the best bear hugs.

Jim is survived by his deeply beloved wife, Lisa B. Chmelar, his son, Leo McDowell- Chmelar, who he cherished, a sister, Vicki Wenner and husband Jim of Emporium, two brothers, Mike Chmelar of Emporium, and Joseph “Skeeter” Chmelar and wife Yvette of St. Mary’s, his step daughters, Sarah Teale and husband, Maca and Katie Ryan and husband, Joe, both from Leander, TX.  Jim also had 4 grandchildren, Louis, Nole, Taylor, and Brodie, all from Leander, TX, and several nieces and nephews.  Preceding Jim in death besides his parents is a brother, Bob Chmelar.

To honor Jim, a Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, September 14, 2013, at 11:00 am at the St. John’s Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Bruce Burkness as celebrant.

According to what we believe would be Jim’s wishes, the family request that in lieu of flowers, donations are made to his son, Leo McDowell –Chmelar’s education fund.  Donations can be made to the Jim Chmelar Memorial Fund at Wells Fargo Bank-MAC, T7009-010, 920 N. Lakeline Blvd., Cedar Park, TX 78613 or to a charity of the donor’s choice

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