James Richard “Ski” Nadratowski, age 75, passed away on Wednesday October,
5, 2011.
Jim is survived by Joan (or Joanne, by which he called her) his beloved wife
of 56 years, and his sister Phyllis Payne.
He is also survived by six children: Debbie (Jim) Reuther, Jamie (Karl)
Dagostaro, Cheryl (John) Gillikin, John (Susan) Nadratowski, James (Denise)
Nadratowski Jr. and Pat (Linda) Nadratowski.
He is also survived by 16 Grandchildren: John (Sara), Joseph, James,
Christopher (Kari Ricard), Patrick, and Linzy Nadratowski, Rachel (Arben)
Katwal, Katie (Jeff) Bruner, Amy and Matt Gillikin, Krista (Ben) Bauer, Nick
(Heather) Dagostaro, Jennifer (Chad) Byers, Ashley Virden, Tyler and Zachary
Burris and seven great-grandchildren: AJ, Ava and Addison Bruner, Dominick
Dagostaro, Austin Wilson, Carter and Bailey Nadratowksi.
He was preceded in death by his parents Edna and John Nadratowski, his
brother –in-law Edward Payne and two nieces, Valerie and Laurie Payne.
Jim worked at New York Central Railroad before enlisting in the Marines
where he proudly served and eventually met his wife Joan while stationed in
California.
After the Marine Corps., he worked as a salesman for Certified Labs and
Tilden Enterprises before fulfilling his dream of being his own boss and
opening his first bar/restaurant Ski’s Place in Otis. He then opened another
establishment in Portage naming it Ski’s Bar and Grill, which he and Joan
operated until 1995. All the while he was active in local politics, serving
as Democratic Precinct Committee Person for a while and even running for
Westchester Township Justice of the Peace.
He was also a member of the Indiana Licensed Beverage Association and served
as President of the Tri-County Tavern Association for many years. He loved
his Notre Dame “Fighting Irish” football and spent many Saturday afternoons
watching the games with his best friend Gigi (the wonder dog) sitting on his
lap. After retiring in 1995 Jim and Joan enjoyed traveling to warmer
climates in their motor home with Gigi keeping them company.
Jim was well respected and loved by many and will be sadly missed.
By Jim’s request, no funeral arrangements have been made, but a “Celebration
of Life” Memorial will be held at a later date.
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