James Anthony Pavik, Sr.

This is the testimony of a man who has lived a full life. Born in Faribault, MN on June 19th, 1956 to Janice Elaine (Huskamp) and Malvin Anthony Pavik (Bonita Bay, FL). Brother to Alan Charles (McKinney, TX), Paul Thomas (Naples, FL), Debra Porter (Mike) (Fredericksburg, VA), Joan Geckle (Steve) (Parkton, MD), Linda Kuligowski (Ted)(Ellicott City, MD), Douglas Todd (Kriss) (Redwood Falls, MN), and Kimberly Pavik (Fairfax, VA). 

Husband to Deona Bailey, whom I have loved since the first moment I saw her in Atlanta, and who has been my confidant, conscience, best-friend, and lover for forty-one years. Together, we have shared a brilliant life together, and the beauty of a baby’s first breath five times. Father to Nicholas Andrew (Mathews, VA), Marla Lavon Pizzicara (John) (Anchorage, AK), Christian Thomas (Arlington, VA), Amanda Alaine (Duncanville, TX), and James Anthony, Jr. (Dallas, TX). Proud Grandfather, “Grumpy”, to Alya, Elijah, Annika, and Samson. 

I Have seen the sun rise and fall on three continents. I have swum with dolphins in the Atlantic, Pacific Gulf of Mexico, Mediterranean; and with wildlife in countless lakes and rivers across this great country. I have bent knee and prayed in steepled churches with Cardinals, and on the street with the homeless. I have confessed my sin in St. Peter’s Basilica, and alone in the desert. I have admired the endless big sky of the west, the fog shrouded valleys of Appalachia, experienced the warmth of the Everglades, and the coldness of early morning fishing on the Lake of the Woods on the Canada/MN border. I have hiked parts of the John Muir Trail in Yosemite, Bright Angel trail in the Grand Canyon, the Amalfi coast of Italy, Stanley Park in Vancouver, Imperial Palace Park in Tokyo, the Cotswold’s in England, and the Tahoe Rim and Appalachian Trails; while feeling at home with the thousands of laps walking around the track at Mathews High School.

I spent the first part of my business career with 17 years in the automotive industry with corporate positions for Ford, Audi, Range Rover, Lexus and Toyota. I spent the remainder of my working life creating two successful entrepreneurial practices; The Pavik Group Inc, and Pavik Wealth Management, Inc. I have felt the need to volunteer and assist when and where I could; Chairperson of the Mathews County Library Board of Trustees, President of Concerts By The Bay, Board member of the Mathews Historical Museum, Worshipful Master for Oriental #20 AF&AM, Deputy Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus Lady by the Bay Council, Finance Chairperson for Francis De Sales Catholic Church; while providing my services when and where I was asked for the betterment of the communities in which Deona and I lived. 

I have been blessed to know many wonderful people (some of whom may be reading this now) whom I call great friends. I have known a few who have become part of my personage. Some of those closest to me were called to the Lord before me, far too early in human time. Now, it is my turn to stand before, and be judged by our Lord, Jesus Christ. My heart is full. My Lord has called me home on eagle’s wings.

God bless. 

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, September 13, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Francis de Sales, Mathews. Interment with Masonic rites will follow at H.C. Smither Memorial Cemetery, Hudgins. The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 12, 2024, from 5-7:00 p.m. at Faulkner Funeral Homes, Foster-Faulkner Chapel, Mathews.