James E. Goliat

"Don't be sad and cry because he's gone. Be happy and smile because he was here."

James Edward Goliat- AKA Jim, Jimmy, passed away on June 29, 2024 at the age of 82 wonderful years.

James was born in Cleveland, Ohio on March 30, 1942 to Stephany and Edward Goliat. Garfield Heights, Ohio was where he spent his formative years, and it was home for him. He attended St. Stanislaus High School where he met his wife-to­ be, Donna Ruminski. They married on February 1, 1964 and lived "Happily Ever After" for 60 years!

James is survived by his wife, Donna and children Leslie Becker, Jeffrey Goliat, Douglas Goliat and Allison Newlin, who all reside in Plano Texas. James has 6 Grandchildren Jordan Goliat, Ashton Goodman, Bradley Bleggi, Nicholas Bleggi, Taryn Glowach and Gabrielle Bleggi. He was also blessed to have 3 Great Grandchildren Madison Goliat, Skylar Goliat and Fin Hunter, and 2 more great grandchildren are on the way. Also surviving is his brother Robert Goliat, of Garfield Heights, Ohio.

James began his working career at Diamond Alkali Corporation in Painesville, Ohio in 1965. He was transferred to the Diamond Shamrock plant in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1975 and then transferred to the Oxy Chemical Corporation in Dallas, Texas in 1980. James and Donna bought a house in the wonderful Country Place community in Plano where they raised their family and lived for over 42 years. James spent his entire working days with Oxy Chemical until his retirement.

His love for baseball has always been a passion for him along with his love for John Wayne, and of course his FAMILY!

For 9 ½ years, James fought a long, hard battle after his massive stroke in 2015, and then his diagnosis of bladder cancer in 2023. Throughout all this, he never lost his smile and was always wanting to kiss everyone. His charismatic personality drew everyone to him even though he lost his ability to speak, and he was loved by anyone who met him.

A Special Celebration of his Life will take place at Allen Family Funeral Options at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 27, 2024. If you wish to join the service via webcast, please visit: https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/103050

In memory of James, and in lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Plano Animal Shelter at 4028 W. Plano Pkwy, Plano, Texas 75093, or on line at https://tx-plano4.civicplus.pro/234/Animal-Shelter-Donations