James Joseph Kohanek's Obituary
James Joseph Kohanek, age 79, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 10, 2023, in Fayetteville Arkansas. He was born March 11, 1944, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the son of Kathryn and Leslie Kohanek and was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Dennis and Leslie Kohanek.
He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from St. John’s University in Minnesota, a master’s degree in chemistry from San Diego State University, and a law degree from Capital University in Columbus Ohio. He worked as a chemist for several years before moving to Washington DC in 1979, where he practiced as an environmental lawyer for over 30 years. During his career, he was on the pioneering legal team for cleaning up hazardous waste sites for the Environmental Protection Agency, including serving on the trial team for the groundbreaking Times Beach case in Missouri. He also worked for Clean Sites Inc and TechLaw.
His family and friends will remember him for his kind heart, sense of humor, and love of his family.
He is survived by his wife, Gail Bingham Kohanek of Farmington Arkansas, two daughters Annie Kathryn Dell (Alan Dell) and Julia Bingham Kohanek (Lucas Brown), two grandchildren Spencer James Dell and Isaac William Brown, two sisters Diane Catherine Smith (Ricke Smith) and Mary Ann Steen (Dan Alberts), and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held later this fall.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer’s Association.
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