James Edward “Jim” Borecky, born October 27, 1934 (Johnstown, PA),  passed away August 3, 2024 in Chesapeake, VA. Throughout his life, Jim was steadfast in three things: his faith, his heritage, and his family. He was a devout Catholic and created community as a member of Saint Matthew Catholic Church’s parish and men’s club. He also showed deep pride in his Slovak heritage and would regularly invite others to join in on its traditions and food–best of all pierogies and nut rolls.

But few things brought him as much joy as his family coming together. While working as a pharmacist in the Pentagon, he met Cindy (née Hershberger), and as an avid fisherman, he’d been preparing for this moment for years. Jim was able to hook and reel in the best catch of his life when Cindy agreed to marry him in 1972–seamlessly stepping into the role of wife and mother to Jimmy and Susan. A few years later, they rounded out the Borecky family with the addition of Michael.

It brought him great joy to collect additional names over the years: ‘Dad’ to his kids–Jimmy (Sherry), Susan, and Michael; ‘Grandpa’, ‘Granddad’, and ‘Poppy’ to his grandchildren–RJ (Nikki), Kenny (Michele), Ethan, Christopher, Michael Jr., Kelly (Bill), and Meadow; ‘Great Grandpa’ and ‘Great Granddad’ to the newest generation of Boreckys–Gunnar, Olivia, and Charlotte; ‘Mr. Jim B’ to neighbors and friends; and sometimes as, “that gentleman with the digital camera.”

To his core, Jim savored the little things in life. He enjoyed listening to Cindy play the piano, sharing a meal with loved ones at any Cracker Barrell, and playing Greedy with his family around the table. He loved to celebrate birthdays and was always prompt with a birthday card (and in recent years, added birthday texts with singing & dancing animatronic hamsters). Jim was a thoughtful, enthusiastic, and thorough storyteller. He often showed his silly side–speaking Opp, posing for goofy pictures, and sharing laughter.

Funeral services will be held at Saint Matthew Catholic Church, 3314 Sandra Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23464 on Monday, August 26th, 2024 at 11:00 AM. A reception will follow in the assembly hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Jim’s church or to another charity in his name; or honor his memory and life by mailing birthday cards to your loved ones this year, learning to speak Opp, or sharing a game of Greedy with your family.