James William Wildowsky

Born in New London, Connecticut, Jim lived a life defined by hard work, grit, humor, and an unforgettable personality. At just 17 years old, he proudly served in the United States Navy before beginning the career that would become his true passion in life. For decades, Jim traveled across the country working pipeline jobs and operating draglines and heavy equipment. To those who knew him, moving dirt wasn’t just a job—it was who he was. He loved the work, the machines, and the stories that came with life on the jobsite. To Jim, a dragline wasn’t just a piece of equipment—it was a way of life.

Jim spent many of his younger years in Lufkin, Texas, before later making Trinity home. In his final years, he lived in Montgomery, Texas, with his daughter, where he was surrounded by family and care.

He never met a stranger and always had a joke, story, or sharp remark ready for anyone willing to listen. Whether talking about old jobs, heavy equipment, or life in general, Jim had a way of making people laugh and feel like they had known him forever.

When he finally slowed down later in life, he enjoyed spending his days watching his favorite television shows, especially MAS*H and Gunsmoke. He was also a devoted fan of Hank Williams, whose music remained one of the simple joys of his life.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother Theresa Golec and his former wife, Wilene Watson Wildowsky, mother of his daughter Linda.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Linda Glenn and husband Otis Glenn; grandchildren

Jessica Zaputil and husband Nick Zaputil, Robert St. Romain Jr and fiance Debra Herring,

Chelsea Wiatrek, Trevor Wildowsky, Timm Glenn and Kristin Grissom;

great-grandchildren Tag Retherford, Trighten Retherford, Knox Zaputil, Indie Zaputil, Owen Herring, and Caleb Herring; and his dear friend Tammie Smith, who helped care for him during his final years.

James “Dragline Jim” Wildowsky will be remembered for his hardworking spirit, his stories, his humor, and the countless lives he touched along the way. If you wanted to know where Jim’s heart was, you didn’t have to look far—it was either in the seat of a dragline, listening to Hank Williams, or sharing a story with anyone willing to sit and listen.

Though he may be gone, the memories, laughter, and lessons he left behind will live on with all who knew and loved him.

A graveside service with military honors will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Houston National Cemetery. Followed by a memorial service at his daughter Linda’s home in Montgomery. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate Jim’s life.