James L. Kubasko, Sr.

James L. Kubasko, Sr., age 83 of Wilmington, DE passed away on September 23, 2026.

Born in the small town of Mocanaqua, PA, and affectionally known as “Keebo” he was the son of the late Mary (Shunda) and Frank Kubasko. He was a proud graduate of the Newport High School class of 1962, where he was a standout athlete in baseball, football and basketball including pitching 3 no hitters in baseball and scoring 4 touchdowns in 1 game as a running back for Newport High School. In basketball he had an amazing “hook” shot that always went in and was indefensible.

James went on to study electrical engineering and chemistry at Penn State University, a place that remained close to his heart and to which he stayed deeply devoted throughout his life. He spent his career working as a chemist and lab technician for Dupont in their Central Research Division at the Experimental Station in Wilmington, DE; retiring after over 30 years of service. He was proud of the work that he accomplished while working at Dupont, most notably, serving as a key part of the research team that created the thermal heat shield protection for the Space Shuttle Columbia in the late 1970s that successfully launched in 1981. The mechanism and technology are still used in aeronautics and space travel today. In addition to his time at Dupont, James spent 13 years working at the Brandywine Raceway as an usher before its closure where he grew a lifelong love of thoroughbred horse racing. He could handicap and pick the winners with the best of them.

Jim could fix anything; cars, appliances, electrical circuits/switches. He was a gifted critical thinker; he could be presented with any a problem or mechanical issue, and more than likely find a solution, remedy or “fix.” for it. He did that for things and life. He also designed and planted a vast vegetable garden, especially in his retirement years; yielding everything from tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers, squash, zucchini and even a patch of sunflowers for his beloved wife JoAnn.

James was an avid runner, completing multiple marathons and races throughout his life. He had an overall love of athletics, especially baseball. He loved watching and cheering/yelling at the Phillies. He greatly enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports, activities and life. He enjoyed spending vacations in Long Beach Island and Cape May NJ with his wife and family and could be found surf fishing wherever he had the opportunity. The beach and the water were his happy places.

James loved ethnic and family traditions like Wigilia, a Polish Christmas Eve tradition that he and his wife would host for his family, extended family and friends for over 30 years. The tradition included breaking of holy bread, sharing over 30 different Polish/Slovak dishes, exchanging of gifts, love and laughter. Christmas night was spent at “Pollyanna”; a Christmas night family tradition bringing all of the Kubasko siblings, Harrison and Pierri families together.

In addition to his parents, James was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Joann Kubasko and his siblings, Clement Kubasko, Marge Pierri, Bernardine Harrison, Norbert Kubasko and Kenneth Kubasko. He is survived by his children and their spouses, Holly Ann and Joseph Sammons, James "Jim" Jr. and Michelle Kubasko and; his grandchildren Joseph Sammons, Jr., Katie, Ryan, and Annalise Kubasko; his brother Dennis Kubasko; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

A visitation will be held on Thursday October 15th from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. with a Mass of Christian Burial to begin at 11 A.M at St. John the Beloved Catholic Church, 907 Milltown Road Wilmington, DE. Private burial will follow in All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Delaware Chapter, 30 South 17th Street, #800,Philadelphia,PA,19103 or via https://www.nationalmssociety.org/resources/get-connected/in-your-area/pae?donate=2330&referrer=imt-dre-ner-chpt-donate-wa-ic