Obituary of James Edward Pavlosky

James Edward Pavlosky, age 82, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 16, 2011. ‘Jim’ was a resident of Houston and Pearland for nearly 50 years. He was born September 23, 1928 in Johnstown, PA. He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with an Aerospace Option. During his summers, he played catcher in the American Legion Baseball League. Following college, Jim started work for North American Aviation in Columbus, OH. He married Marcella Ann Trogus on April 4, 1959, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Portsmouth, Ohio. Jim was hired by the newly-formed NASA in late 1959 to serve as an Aerospace Engineer. He was transferred to Houston in 1962 as part of the original team for the Manned Spaceflight Center. He was a thermal analyst and made significant contributions to the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and Space Shuttle Programs, including serving as a Subsystem Manager for the Apollo Command Module reentry heat shield. ‘Pav’ retired from NASA after 34 years of service. Jim’s passions in life were his family and his faith. He was always available to help loved ones – whether that was building a shed in a backyard, assembling a bicycle for a grandchild or attending numerous events for his children and grandchildren. Friends and family will fondly remember the stories ‘Dad Pav’ would share, with a grin and a laugh, especially between frames at the bowling alley. He looked forward to bowling night every week until just a couple of years ago. Baseball continued to be a joy in his life. Wherever he went, he had a radio to keep tabs on the Astros if he couldn’t catch the game on TV. And, as a part-time photographer for over 30 years, he shared in the most joyous occasions of many people’s lives. He attended daily Mass for 47 years and was a faithful servant to the Church where he shared his time and gifts for as long as he was able. Jim is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sally; his two children: Susan Moyer and her husband David of Houston, and James E. Pavlosky II and his wife Deborah of Seabrook; he is survived by six grand-children: David, Michelle, and Maryann Moyer, and Mara, Lucas, and Carlye Pavlosky, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that remembrances be made to the St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church Building Fund or the Alzheimer’s Association. Visitation will be held Monday, February 21, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Clayton Funeral Home at 5530 W. Broadway, Pearland, Texas 77581 with a Rosary recited at 7:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church at 11011 Hall Road, Houston, Texas 77089 on Tuesday, February 22, at 12:00 pm with interment following at Resurrection Cemetery in Pearland.