James Kevin Ceglarski

Sergeant First Class James Kevin Ceglarski, a devoted son ,husband, father, brother ,grandfather, great-grandfather, and Vietnam Veteran, passed away on Friday, July 11, 2025, with family by his side at the Lower Cape Fear Lifecare Center, Brunswick House in Bolivia, North Carolina. He leaves behind a legacy of love and service. Born on March 23, 1949, in Norwood, Massachusetts, he was the son of the late Walter John Ceglarski and Mary Kennedy Ceglarski of Dedham, Massachusetts.

James was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Shirley Helen Ward Ceglarski, who was the love of his life. He is survived by his sister, Karen Ceglarski Stanley (Kenny) of East Greenwich, Rhode Island, and his brothers, John Walter Ceglarski (Nancy) of Crystal Springs, Illinois, and William Edward Ceglarski of North Attleboro, Massachusetts. He was also preceded in death by his in-laws, Charles and Elizabeth Ward (Bob and Betty), sister-in-law Nancy Ward, brother-in-law Michael Ward, sister-in-law Debbie Ceglarski, and  son-in-law Heath Hardin father to Samantha and Mason . 

James is survived by his cherished daughters, Lynn Ann Ceglarski Ogden of Hope Mills, North Carolina, and Shelly Jo Ceglarski-Horniak, along with her husband, John Christopher Horniak of Bolivia, North Carolina. James was a proud grandfather, affectionately known as Papa Jimmy, to Samantha Hardin, Tonya Greene, Mason Hardin, Julian Ogden, Michelle Ogden, Maximilian (Max) Hasyn, and Matteo Hasyn, and a great-grandfather to James, Barrett, Luca, and Noah. He is also survived by sister-in-law Yvette Ward of Ogdensburg, New York, and Patsy Ward of Clayton, North Carolina, along with many nieces and nephews who will miss him dearly.

James's life was defined by his service to his country. He lived by the words of a poem that he cherished, reflecting the courage and sacrifice of a soldier:

"I went where others feared to go, and did what others failed to do. I asked nothing from those who gave nothing, and reluctantly accepted the thought of eternal loneliness... Should I fail. I have seen the face of terror; felt the stinging cold of fear; and enjoyed the sweet taste of a moment's love. I have cried, pained, and hoped... but most of all, I have lived times others would say were best forgotten. At least someday I will be able to say that I was proud of what I was... a Soldier."

Internment services with full military honors will take place at Arlington National Cemetery, honoring his dedication and sacrifice.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Lower Life Care Hospice and the entire team for providing James with exceptional care, comfort, and compassion during his final days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in James's name to the Lower Life Care Foundation. Their hope is to have a glass tribute tile honoring him placed at the SECU Hospice House located in Bolivia, NC. Donations can be sent in his name, James Kevin Ceglarski, or directly to the Lower Life Care Foundation at 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.

Online condolences are encouraged and may be sent to www.Fulwoodfuneralservice.com.

James Kevin Ceglarski will be deeply missed, but his spirit and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.