James Joseph Michalik

James Joseph Michalik, lovingly known as Jim, passed away on November 23, 2025, at the age of 83. He was born on November 8, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, to Joseph Michalik and Mildred (O’Connell) Michalik.

Jim grew up in Chicago, where he built the foundation of a life defined by faith, family, intellect, and curiosity. He earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from Loyola University Chicago and later obtained a master’s degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology. His education launched a long and accomplished career in engineering, technology, and leadership.

Jim spent many years working at Motorola, both early in his career and later upon his return to Illinois, contributing to advancements in radio and cable modem technology. He also held senior leadership roles in the communications industry and, for a time, co-founded his own company, Electronic Systems & Instrumentation, where he combined technical expertise with hands-on problem solving. He retired in 2005.

After spending many years in Chicago, Jim and his family moved to San Diego, California, in 1983, beginning a chapter of life that would always draw him back to the coast. After returning to Illinois in the mid-1990s and living in Lake in the Hills, he ultimately settled again in San Diego in 2005, where he spent his later years. 

Jim was a devout Catholic, attending Mass several times each week. His faith was central to his life and guided the way he loved, worked, and served others.

Jim was first married to Kathryn “Kay” Michalik in 1964, and together they shared 48 years of marriage and raised five children. Kay passed away in 2012. In 2013, he married Joanne, with whom he shared many happy years. Together they enjoyed traveling, especially trips to Connecticut, Palm Springs, Sedona, and Las Vegas, as well as long walks along the coast they both loved.

Jim is survived by his wife Joanne; his children Carol, Tom, Rob (Danielle), Dave, and Jon; his grandchildren Nick (Andrea), Brooke, Morgan, Marissa, and Dylan; and his great-granddaughter Zoey. Jim was the oldest of five children. He is survived by his brothers Joel and John and was preceded in death by his sister Judy and his brother Jackie, who passed away in childhood.

Beyond his accomplishments, Jim will be remembered for his passions. He had a lifelong love of model railroading, was an audiophile who delighted in taking equipment apart to understand how things worked, and enjoyed jazz music, watching NFL games, pizza, and his favorite ribs at Carver’s in Rancho Bernardo.

Jim’s life was marked by devotion—to his faith, his family, his work, and the simple joys that made life meaningful. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. 

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