Submitted by: Dan Rich

South Bend Tribune 7/17/2002

James S. Niedbalski

Jan. 18, 1944 - July 14, 2002

Mr. Niedbalski was known to his many friends, co-workers and family as "Jimmy." Jimmy was raised in Clay Township, received his secondary education in the South Bend Community Schools, graduating from Clay High School in 1962. Immediately upon graduation from high school, Jimmy followed in the footsteps of his father, Bernard Niedbalski Sr., who was a highly-decorated combat veteran of World War II, and enlisted in the 82nd Airborne where he proudly and honorably served his country as a paratrooper until 1967, attaining the rank of sergeant. Prior to entering the military, "Jimmy" had already begun his lifetime vocation by working in the Meat Department at Mark's and Lou Ann's Supermarkets in Roseland, IN, beginning his career as a meat cutter at the tender age of 16. Soon he was a journeyman meat cutter and began working for Kroger's, a job he held for 25 years, until his recent retirement. Jimmy was proud to be a union worker, and believed in a "fair day's work for a fair day's pay." Jimmy worked at most every Kroger Store in the area, and his quick smile and engaging personality and willingness to help anyone, won him many friends among his fellow workers and customers alike. He loved to tell jokes and stories and sign up his co-workers on his football boards during the football season. He was famous for his authentic "Westside Kielbasa" which he personally made for the Kroger Meat Department during the Easter season. Jimmy was the life of any party, devoted father, doting "JaJa" to his grandchildren, and dedicated coach. Jimmy "did it his way with a few regrets," and lived his life to the hilt. He will be missed by his many friends and family. Jimmy is survived by his wife, Mary C. (Brothers) Niedbalski; his children, Bethany A. Niedbalski of South Bend, Ryan "Duke" Niedbalski, at home, Barbara L. Scanlan of South Bend, IN, Angie M. (Dennis) Paden of South Bend, IN, Jim M. Niedbalski of South Bend, IN; his five grandchildren, Kristina Carlson, Shane Niedbalski, Nicholas Scanlan, Annalise Hernandez, Mikaela Hernandez; his mother, Josephine A. Niedbalski of South Bend, IN; his sister, Victoria H. (Dick) Shamory of Cassopolis, MI; his brother, Bernie M. (Peggy) Niedbalski of South Bend, IN; his two nieces, Frances Niedbalski, Kathy Lute; his five nephews, David Lute, Christopher (Sarah) Bortone, Michael Bortone, Allen Brothers, Steven Brothers; and by his sister-in-law, Millie Bortone. He was preceded in death by his father, Bernard C. Niedbalski Sr.; and by his father-in-law, Walter B. Brothers. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 18, 2002, in the Cathedral of St. Matthew. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 until 8 p.m. today in the Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, where a Rosary will be prayed at 8 p.m., and from 9 until 9:45 a.m. Thursday in the Cathedral of St. Matthew. Jimmy was a member of St. Matthew Parish and was a previous coach and Parish Council President. He was the Past President, Advisory Board Member, Coach and Concession Director at Southside Little League for 20 years. He was a Marian High School Football Coach for 8 years and also the Boys and Girls Basketball Announcer and Scorekeeper for the last six years. He was a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council, #5221, and an Official Ryan Newman fan club member, and also an avid NASCAR and Coke Collector. Memorial contributions may be made to the Knights in Need Program at Marian High School, 1311 S. Logan Street, Mishawaka, IN 46544.