James “Papa Jim” Babyak

He was born in Jamestown, N.Y., on Oct. 6, 1942, to Joseph and Marian (Wagner) Babyak.

James worked in the automotive industry most of his life in various facets. He had an early passion for racing of all types with NASCAR always being his favorite and he closely followed the sport and his favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt.

In 1992, James relocated with his wife, Frances (Ekstrom) to Goose Creek, S.C., where he was a respected dealer of NASCAR related diecast and memorabilia. In 2004, James and Frances relocated to Sun Lakes, Ariz., to be closer to family.

James is survived by his wife, Frances; his children: Tammy Babyak Raynor, Jamestown, N.Y., Jimmy Babyak, Rome City, Ind., and Jason Babyak, Chandler, Ariz.; and his grandchildren; Donald Martin, Nicholas Babyak, Spencer Babyak, Adam Babyak and J.C Babyak as well as nine great- grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Marian; his sisters, Janet Pierce and Barbara Rosen; and grandchildren: Darby Martin and Christopher Deyell.

The family is planning to have a celebration of life gathering in Sun Lakes, Ariz., in March of 2020 and another in the Jamestown, N.Y. area in the summer of 2020.

Cards can be sent to his wife, Frances at 9544 E. Palomino Place, Sun Lakes, AZ 85248.