James L Socolofsky

James' life began on July 28, 1937, in Ramona.  He is the son of Clarence and Velma (Meyer) Socolofsky.  James is a graduate of Kansas State with an engineering degree and earned his Master's degree in Reliable Engineering while he served in the United States Air Force.  James retired as a Lt. Colonel after 20 years of service to our country.  In his retirement, James was the Shop Foreman for Marion County and worked at Mack Welling Lumber in Marion and as a local handyman.  He was an avid woodworker and make several pieces of furniture for family.  James enjoyed reading and even writing, as he authored training manuals for the Air Force. James was a member of the Strassburg Baptist Church.  His greatest joy was his family which includes his wife of nearly 59 years Karen Socolofsky of Marion; daughters Denise (Mike Martinez) Spivey of Valley Center and Debbie (Carl) Abbott of Thompson, MO; grandchildren Carly Willeford, Kaylee Abbott, Andrew Spivey, and Rebecca Spivey; and a brother Harold (Pat) Socolofsky of College Station, TX, sister in law Pat Socolofsky of Colorado Springs and several nieces and nephews.  James passed away on October 31, 2019 at St. Luke's Hospital in Marion.  He is preceded in death by his parents, and brother Lowell Socolofsky.  James' family will gather with friends on Tuesday November 5, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the Marion Cemetery for his graveside memorial service led by Pastor Don Mashburn or the Strassburg Baptist Church.  Yazel-Megli-Zeiner Funeral Home is serving the family.  Memorial contributions in James' name may be directed to the Strassburg Baptist Church.  Please sign his online guestbook and leave a memory of James at www.ymzfh.com