James Andrew Stankus
James “Jim” Stankus, age 63, of Dunwoody, GA died unexpectedly but peacefully in Atlanta, GA on October 9, 2015 with his sister at his side. He was born on May 2, 1952 to Rudolph J. Stankus predeceased and Elizabeth A. Stankus in Greensburg, PA.
Jim grew up in western Pennsylvania and graduated in 1974 with a B.S. in Administration and Management Science from Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh. His academic journey led him to California where he attended McGeorge School of Law for two years and subsequently graduated from Saint Mary’s College of California in 1985 with a master’s degree in Procurement and Contract Management. His career in the Biotech industry kept him in California for approximately 30 years. He worked for Cetus Corporation from 1981 to 1991 and was recruited by Amgen in southern California in 1991. After a rewarding and successful career as an Associate Director with Amgen, Jim retired in 2006 and moved to Dunwoody, GA to take care of his mother.
Jim remained true to his Pittsburgh roots and was a devoted Pittsburgh Steelers, Pirates and Penguins fan despite where he lived or worked. He enjoyed golfing, playing the guitar and walking his dog Tato. Jim was a generous, kind man who lovingly took care of his mother for nine years and who always had a close relationship with his sister. He was an active member of All Saints Catholic Church and believed in giving back to causes in which he believed. He treasured his family and friends, who will long value the love and friendship they shared with him for such a short time.
James A. Stankus is survived by his mother, Elizabeth A. Stankus of Dunwoody, GA and sister, Stephanie Stankus of Sandy Springs, GA. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2015 at 10:30 AM at All Saints Catholic Church, 2443 Mount Vernon Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338. The family is also planning a service at a later time in his native Pennsylvania.
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It saddens me greatly to hear about Jim’s passing. He was my manager at Amgen for a couple of years, but we worked together for many more, and periodically kept in touch through a mutual friend until last year. He was a great leader to those of us who worked for him and a most positive person, always encouraging us to be the best we could be. His sense of humor eased even our most serious meetings, and he never passed up the opportunity to laugh with others, even when he didn’t know what they were laughing about. I’ll never forget when he got to attend the Superbowl to see his beloved Steelers; the way he got those tickets was Jim at his craftiest. I loved hearing that story as much as he loved to tell it. I will always remember Jim as a good man who truly enjoyed life, and cared about others. My deepest condolences to his family, whom I know he loved dearly. May he rest in peace.
It saddens me greatly to hear about Jim’s passing. He was my manager at Amgen for a couple of years, but we worked together for many more, and periodically kept in touch through a mutual friend until last year. He was a great leader to those of us who worked for him and a most positive person, always encouraging us to be the best we could be. His sense of humor eased even our most serious meetings, and he never passed up the opportunity to laugh with others, even when he didn’t know what they were laughing about. I’ll never forget when he got to attend the Superbowl to see his beloved Steelers; the way he got those tickets was Jim at his craftiest. I loved hearing that story as much as he loved to tell it. I will always remember Jim as a good man who truly enjoyed life, and cared about others. My deepest condolences to his family, whom I know he loved dearly. May he rest in peace.
Jim and I met on a ski trip to Lake Tahoe about 30 years ago and we remained lifelong friends. He was my designated best man: thank you Jimmy for standing up with me at 2 weddings!
I’ll never forget the good times and his easy-going personality and humor. Nobody has ever been more fun on the golf course and he made our golf trips to Hawaii and Vegas epic. I remember the occasions Jim would sleep on the couch at my house on a Friday or Saturday night and my dog would always sleep with Jim, and in the morning we would always joke that the dog wanted a cigarette.
Rest in Peace my friend and here’s hoping we’ll meet again on the other side.
Rest in peace, good sir, knowing that you made a real difference in this world. You were a wonderful friend to Joe and our family. It was always a pleasure when you came to town! Thank you.
I sat down next to Jim in our first class on our first day of law school here in Sacramento in 1977, and we hit it off from the very start. Jim and I developed one of the best friendships I could have ever hoped for. He inspired his close circle of friends to come out west from Pennsylvania and we have all become as tight a group of friends as I have. The people we share the good times with change our lives for the better, and meeting Jim was a game changer for me. I have celebrated and shared more good times over the past 38 years with Jim, Tom, Dave, and their brand of western Pennsylvania fun than I could have ever imagined. You guys are family to me. Fare thee well, Stankeroo. I’ll miss you, my friend.
We will both miss JIm and his friendship over the last 30+ years. A good generous and happy man. Skiing, golfing, Lake Tahoe and work at Cetus. Our condolences and best wishes to his family,
Mark and Sydney
Jim was a believer in people and a believer in doing the right thing. He was good at putting things in perspective and favored a calm response to an emotional one. He voted for enjoying the moment over stressing out about it still trying to improve here Jim Jim – Thanks for believing in me. Thanks for opportunity you afforded me. Would have liked another round or two together. You will be missed.
We first met Jim soon after he moved to Dunwoody to look after his mother. We would often run into each other walking our dogs in the neighborhood. His love of life was only overshadowed by his love of the Steelers and golf. He has been a kind and caring neighbor, always eager to share an amusing insight about life and the Steelers. We will miss the flying of the Steelers flag and Jim’s friendship.
Echoing many of Ellie’s comments, Jim was my first boss at Amgen, and I will call him my first “good boss” in my career. Jim was a great leader who guided and protected our team during some challenging times with his selfless approach to leadership, using his intelligence, humor and presence to help make us successful and enjoy our work and time together. I will miss him and his selfless attitude that not only extended to his friends and co-workers, but anyone that crossed his path. Rest in Peace, Jim.
What do you say about a friend who towed home your broken-down car at 2AM with 50 feet of garden hose? In the words of Saint John Paul II…danks for the memories Mr. Jim!
I met Stankerooshka in 1974 and we haven’t stopped laughing since. The joy of knowing my good friend is now mixed with tears, I cannot deny, but I say mixed because the tears would not exist without the good humor. We sang songs, we danced dee polka, we drove bravely into oncoming hedges, we wrestled until somebody got hurt, we ducked to avoid nonexistent objects falling from the sky when walking off a putting green, placticed our golf swings while drinking some wodka, skied, did 360s, had countless tune-outs, loved everything Cajun and Black and Gold.
My sincere condolences to Stephanie and Mrs. Stankus and all friends who loved this good man.
Where’s Jim you might ask? He is in our hearts forever.
Blessed repose! Give rest to Your servant where there is no pain, sorrow nor mourning.
Jim Stankus, Stankaroo, Inspirus Westus P., Stankarooski, a man we all loved. I don’t remember a time his attitude was anything but positive. Like the rest of his friends and family I must say the laughs were continuous. He worked hard, he travelled the world, his dedication to his family was enormous. I was lucky our paths crossed. He will be so missed. Our condolences to all.
Someone must mention how handsome our Jim was. It was so fun to walk into a room with my husband and Handsome Jim and see all the ladies heads turn. What a guy! We love you Jim!
Met Jim once at a baseball game. Where else, right? Instantly liked him. God be with him.
Saddened and stunned to hear that Jim has passed on. He was a great boss & mentor who always had time for others. When emotions were running high, Jim was always the voice of reason and common sense.
One day Jim walked into my office while I was on the phone to my son, getting frustrated with him about his homework. Jim was laughing away at me, but then grabbed the phone and calmly started talking and reasoning with my son. To this day my son still remembers that conversation.
Jim and I played a lot of bad rounds of golf together and a few good ones, but we always had a good time. Our business trips frequently involved “interesting” unplanned events that he would love to recount to others, perhaps with a wee bit of embellishment. Things were just always so much more fun and interesting with Stankus-san around!
I feel very fortunate that our paths crossed, albeit for a too brief 10 year period. Jim, my friend, wherever you are I hope you finally get to have the Schweinshaxe
Very sorry to hear Jim has departed this world, far too soon. I appreciated his low-key manner despite the pressures and deadlines while working together at Amgen. With the hope based on saving faith to meet again in a better place, sending my prayer of comfort for Jim’s family.
Stephanie – my sincerest sympathy
on the passing of your beloved brother. May he rest in peace.
Our sympathies on the passing of our good friend and neighbor, Jim.
We will miss our daily conversations as Jim and Tato made their rounds.
Rest in Peace, Jim.
The Crawfords
Jim was a kind, funny gentleman. I will miss him dearly as I have during many years after his retirement. May God help his mother and sister after his passing. He had a full life and will always help anyone that need it. He was very special to me.
When I look back at my professional career, I can honestly say that Jim was one of my most positive influences. Although I was young, he always treated me with respect, took my concerns and thoughts seriously, but then always managed to “lighten the mood” when needed with a funny story or a laugh. He had the right balance of work hard / play hard, which I still think about to this day.
Although I am saddened to think that he is no longer with us, I know that a piece of him lives on with me, and many others, today.
See you on the other side, my friend. And thank you.
I knew Jim when I worked at Amgen 1989-2007. He was always helpful, very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. I was really surprised to see his passing. Even though I have not spoken to Jim for a long time, I still have very fond memories of him. He will be missed!!
I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear about Jim. I have such fond memories of working with him. I had just started working and was new to the work environment when I first met Jim, but he always treated me with respect and helped me. I enjoyed Jim’s company and his great sense of humor on multiple travel trips we made together. He was friendly, honest, helpful, fun to hang out with, and good at his work. He will be sorely missed.
My heartfelt condolences to his mother and sister. I will always remember Jim with fond memories and wish him peace wherever he is.
Jim’s memorial was beautiful, his loss is huge.
I was so fortunate to meet Jim in 1984 at a crazy Christmas party on Harbor Drive.
Funny thing, when my friend and I arrived, we realized that this was the house we were just going to rent but decided against it. Glad Michael, Jim, and David did.
What friends they were, all that Polish/Czech lore! Jim was lovingly known as “Jeam” or Stankaroo.
Jim, a dashing gentleman,smart, charming, funny. As Shirley said, so darn handsome, always dressed stylishly, with a wild side, his dry sense of humor was really a treat.
Many great memories of having you in our wedding, spoon hanging from your nose and napkin around your head.
My favorite picture of Jim is of him holding Marielle. Jim in his Pirates shirt, so lovingly looking at this brand new baby.
God Bless, Jim. I will always carry his greatness, the memory of his kind smile close, and be grateful for our time together.
Stephanie, all our love and prayers to you.
Jim was as cordial as they come and a great diplomat. But we really were good friends outside work. We golfed every Saturday and usually 1-2 times during the week for 4 years. When the Superbowl came to Detroit, Jim rang me up and we had a great week and his Steelers won as we sat near Carl Eller. When my dad passed in Sandy Hook GA in 2012, we got a hot dog and I visited mom, sis dog and stratocaster. Sis lived about 100 yards from my dad it turned out. Jim adored his family, always talked about them. For posterity . . one time in Manchester England, we were trying to get back to the hotel with our co-workers and we didn’t realize where we were. The streets were abandoned. I suggested we walk back to where we had been and call a hackney. Jim said, nah, turned and raised his hand and a cab came around the corner . . . A great friend I had great times with in many cities as we worked to heal people.
Jim,
I will always remember you. We travel a lot together and serve many patients…
Rest in peace my friend!!!
Nelson…
I remember Jim from college where we met on our first day and remained friends throughout our time there. My fondest memory is when we all got puppies about the same time. We spent many hours in the park behind CMU throwing frisbees and sticks for the dogs.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Sincerely ,
Brian Wood
I remember Jim from college where we met on our first day and remained friends throughout our time there. My fondest memory is when we all got puppies about the same time. We spent many hours in the park behind CMU throwing frisbees and sticks for the dogs.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Sincerely ,
Brian Wood
I remember Jim from college where we met on our first day and remained friends throughout our time there. My fondest memory is when we all got puppies about the same time. We spent many hours in the park behind CMU throwing frisbees and sticks for the dogs.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Sincerely ,
Brian Wood
Jim and I were roommates and housemates through college. We ran a pop, beer and snack business named after our refrigerator “Glossy White”, which allowed us to eat and drink for free from the profits. As a roommate, I spent many weekend nights in the common “sleeping dorm” when Jim’s girlfriend Judy B was visiting. I was always glad to help them out. On Friday nights, Jim would lend me his bug with an “automatic stick” so I could go play duplicate bridge at Webster Hall, and return for the parties at 9:00 PM. We once visiting Manor with him to see his Mom Babe and seeing sights like “Red’s Out of Gas” station it was the early 70’s. Most importantly he taught me true allegiance to the “Black and Gold of Rooney U”. Didn’t see much of Jim since he moved to CA, but he will always be part of my life. Good-bye Jim, let me know if #21 is the “Great One” up there too, if Myron Cope and The Gunner are announcing, and of course if “Here we go Steelers!” still stirs the soul.
Stephanie, so sorry for your loss. Always considered Jim a lifelong friend though my memories are mostly from ‘70 to early 80’s. What a great comrade in those “formative” years. Jim was transparent, great fun and always had your back. With his passing the memories came flooding back:
*DU frat brother – anything better than mixers & flag football?
*Spring Break hiking in TN, thought that was “south” so it’d be warm. Wound up in freezing snow & instead went to Underground Atlanta.
*The “Beachwood 5” our Sr year at CMU. Hey, we really graduated!
*Travel companion for 4 month trip around the USA in ‘76. Hiking Hayden Valley Yellowstone with rain and hail hitting us sideways – we were in shorts & tees. Thanks Steph for letting us crash for a month at your Santa Monica bungalow.
*Holding each other to avoid hypothermia on the stopped Killington lift, wind chill -50.
*Best man at my wedding 35 years ago.
Well, RIP Jim. Glad to hear you re-established your faith. Thanks for enriching my life.