James Leo (Jim) Kolling, of Oak Ridge, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, Oct. 22, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., on May 11, 1931, to Gerard William and LaVerne Jane (Craig) Kolling, who preceded him in death.
He graduated from Duquesne University and completed graduate studies at Michigan State University.
After 24 years in the Air Force, he worked for Union Carbide in Oak Ridge until he retired in 1994.
He is survived by the love of his life, Mary Ellen (Hoffmann) Kolling.
He will be sorely missed by her and their 10 children: Jim, and wife Sally, Terry Peek (Bill), Carol LeNoir (Dan), Patty Swain (Todd), Janet, Kathy Herriott (Paul), David, Laura LaGrone (Jeff), Julie Hamilton (Mike), and Sharon Kolling-Perin (Joshua); and 25 grandchildren: Sam, Joe and Sarah Kolling; Brian, Kevin and Eric Peek; Kara, Craig, Bonnie, and Mark LeNoir; Nathanael Swain; Jayme Kolling; Austin, Anna, Julia, and Lilly Herriott; Jacqueline and Rebecca Kolling; Audrey LaGrone; Madeline, Amelia, and Leah Hamilton; and Caleb, Ezra, and Judah Kolling-Perin.
He is also survived by two brothers, Jerry and Ed Kolling, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was a devoted Catholic his whole life and a dedicated parishioner at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where a Mass to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, Oct. 27, at 12 p.m. led by Rev. Michael Woods. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. that morning at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
Weatherford Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements. An online guest book can be signed at www.weatherfordmortuary.com.