Jim Kovasky Obituary

Patrick (duffy) Sheeran '68 said:

Jim was a star athlete for Washington High School, class of 1966. He was QB of the football team, and a great basketball and baseball player, too. Two memories: Jim was a senior when I was a sophomore. We were both on the varsity basketball team (I would later be sent down to the JVs). I don't recall who we were playing, but it was early in the season, and, late in the game with the outcome no longer in doubt, Coach Dale Wilson felt he could safely put me in the game. He did, and at one point I was fouled, and somehow made both free throws. After the game, Jim came over and congratulated me in a very nice way, noting that those were the first points I scored for WHS. Jim certainly did NOT have to do that, but it showed his leadership skills very nicely.
The second story happened the following Spring. The national champion ping pong players from the USA and Mexico came to give an exhibition at WHS. After they played--and oh, my, were they good!--the USA player noted that WHS had a very good ping pong player in his own right. Yes, it was Jim. He went out (in his street shoes), and played against the USA champion. Even after spotting Jim 17 points, it was not surprising that the USA champion won (after all, he played ping pong for a living!), but we all applauded Jim for his effort.
I believe that the correct spelling for Jim's last name is "Kovalsky". I am sorry to learn that he passed away. Great guy, great leader. I can only hope that he had a great life. Rest in peace, Jim.