James T. Dolak, “Jim”, passed away at the age of 73 on Sept. 8, surrounded by close family at home. Jim was a loving husband to Rachel Moriarty for 32 years and was an adoring father to his children. 
He was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, one of seven children to Rose and Stephen Dolak. Jim obtained his Ph.D. in higher education administration and then moved to Colorado in 1984 to work for Colorado State University,where he worked for more than 30 years.
Jim and Rachel had three beautiful daughters Taylor Rose, Morgan Lily and Harper Ivy, and truly was a generous father and husband who faithfully put his family first.
Jim enjoyed activities like skiing, sailing, swimming, tennis, fly fishing, reading, and listening to Paul Simon and Garrison Keillor. Jim was the Director of Housing and Dining Services at CSU for 15 years, worked there until July 2020 and he had an immeasurable impact on the community. His colleagues and the students were people he genuinely considered his second family. We have a lot to admire and appreciate as we feel the legacy of his leadership.
“Jim was an incredibly kind and caring person. His wife Rachel and his three daughters Taylor, Morgan and Harper, were his top priorities, but not far behind were the staff of Housing & Dining Services and the students that we serve. Jim was known for his amazing memory, his attention to details, his thoughtfulness, his honesty, and his generosity,” said Mari Strombom, executive director of Housing & Dining Services.
Jim was humble at work and home, was always looking to lend a helping hand, he genuinely loved to make people laugh and he impressed people with his impeccable memory. He was knowingly kind, giving, hard-working, supportive, helpful and unconditionally loving to everyone around him. He was courageous and strong in a long battle with cancer. We will all learn to live with his love, not his loss.
“The one thing that Jim loved more than his work was his family. His wife Rachel, and daughters Taylor, Morgan, and Harper have also been part of the CSU Student Affairs family and our hearts go out to them during this difficult time. Jim’s legacy will live on and those of us who had the opportunity to know and work with Jim will miss him terribly,” said Blanche Hughes, vice president for Student Affairs.
There are no services planned at this time and the family appreciates the love and support they have received.
Sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note at www.allnuttftcollins.com.
