James Lawrence Szetela, 80, of Bowling Green, Kentucky, passed away on February 11, 2025. He was born on June 19, 1944, in Springfield, Massachusetts.
James proudly served his country as a member of the 101st Airborne Division in the U.S. Army. After his military service, he spent many years as an over-the-road truck driver and small business owner. He made his home in Tucson, Arizona, for much of his adult life but always looked forward to traveling back to Kentucky to visit family. He had a passion for collecting antique appliances and enjoyed the thrill of the search.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys Russell and Charles Szetela.
James is survived by his ex-wife, Carolyn Szetela of Owensboro, KY; daughters, Tina Szetela of Owensboro, KY, Tammy Conder of Owensboro, KY, and Jamie Johnson of Bowling Green, KY; sons-in-law, Russell Conder and Sean Johnson; grandchildren, Johnathan Elmo Szetela (Gina Szetela), Jimmy Lee Bell (Stephanie Bell), Roman James Tolson, Jake Edward Conder, Courtney Elizabeth Conder, and Olivia Lynne Johnson; and great-grandchildren, Julian Elmo Szetela and Skylar Annalee Bell.
He is also remembered by his late sons-in-law, David Bell and Kelly Tolson.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, February 16, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Haley McGinnis Funeral Home in Owensboro, KY, with the funeral service to follow at 4:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Historic RailPark & Train Museum, 401 Kentucky Street, Bowling Green, KY.
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory is honored and privileged to be entrusted with James Lawrence Szetela’s care. Please leave condolence messages for the family of Mr. Szetela and sign his virtual guestbook at www.haleymcginnis.com.