James Richard Virostek " Jim", passed away peacefully after an extended illness on May 2, 2015 at The Haven Hospice Care Center in Gainesville, Florida with his family at his side. Jim was born on April 29, 1944 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and had just celebrated his 71st birthday. He and his wife Gwynn lived in Lake City and also had a second home in St. Petersburg, Florida. They are Parish members at Epiphany Catholic Church in Lake City Florida.

Jim grew up in Pittsburgh, PA where he attended South Hills Catholic High School and then The University of Pittsburgh where he graduated with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Business. He also graduated from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking. He worked most of his life in the Banking and Financial Services Industry. He finished out his work life before becoming too ill to work at his church, Epiphany Catholic, working as the part-time business manager until the summer of 2014.

Jim was an avid sports fan and enjoyed following college and pro football teams, especially the Pittsburgh Steelers. He also loved the Florida State Seminoles (his son Jayson went to FSU), and Oklahoma University (his son Jon went to OU).

Although he enjoyed playing sports such as golf and tennis, he was happiest and the most at peace when he was on his boat, whether at the dock navigating a trip, or on the open water motoring on the Atlantic or the Gulf or in the Keys. He loved to help his kids, family, or friends wet a hook, catch a fish, or just take a boat ride.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Milan Virostek and Irene Palko Virostek, his beloved sister, Judith "Judy" Previs (John), and a very special Aunt Berta Palko, and Uncle Gilbert "Gibby" Palko (Laverne).

He is survived by his wife of over twenty years, Gwynn Cochran Virostek, his two sons, Jon Michael Virostek (Daye) and their daughter, Ella Daye; Jayson Milan Virostek (Tori) and their children Madison Hope, " Madi", and Jayson Reid, " Reid". Jim is also survived by many other extended family members who were an important part of his life. And lastly, his dogs Lachlan Macintosh "Mac", a West Highland Terrier who was his constant companion, and Yorkie Winston.

Rosary and Visitation will be on Thursday, May 7 from 4:30pm to 7pm at Gateway Forest Lawn Funeral Home (Rosary will begin at 4:30pm), and the Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Epiphany Catholic Church on Friday, May 8th at 11:00am. If desired,
memorial contributions can be made to Haven Hospice for the Care Center in Gainesville at 4200 NW 90th Blvd, Gainesville, FL 32606 or on their website at www.havenhospice.org, or to Epiphany Catholic Church, 1905 SW Epiphany Court, Lake City, FL 32025. Arrangements are under the direction of GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN FUNERAL HOME, 3596 S. Us Hwy 441, Lake City, Fl 32025, (386) 752-1954. Please leave words of love and comfort for the family at www.gatewayforestlawn.com