James (Jim) David Onuska

Beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend, James David Onuska of Berwyn Heights, Maryland, 66, unexpectedly passed away on July 19, 2026.

Born on May 23, 1960, in West Virginia, Jim was a gifted decorative painter, muralist, and faux finisher whose artistic talent, creativity, and attention to detail left a lasting impression on countless homes and businesses.

Jim was baptized as a Seventh-day Adventist and loved Jesus deeply. His greatest joy was sharing God's love with others through both his words and his actions. His faith guided the way he lived, worked, and cared for those around him.

A compassionate animal lover, Jim was known for caring for the neighborhood's feral cats, making sure they were fed and safe. He also cherished his pet/rescued bunny, who occasionally accompanied him to work and became somewhat of a beloved company mascot, bringing smiles to everyone who met him.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, William H. Onuska Sr. and Elinor A. Skeel, and his infant sister, Baby Girl Onuska.

He is survived and lovingly remembered by his mother, Carol Bakewell Onuska; his former wife, Joyce Onuska; his brother, William H. Onuska Jr., and his wife, Jaya M. Onuska; his sister, Pam E. Onuska, and her husband, Gary Hicks; his sister, Michelle Personius, and her husband, George Personius; his brother, Kevin Hirsch; his nephews, Sunny Onuska, Johnny Onuska, Christopher Lang, Jairon Personius and Caiden Personius; his nieces, Elinor Welsh and Chantel Personius; his great-nephews, Damon Lang, Nicholas Welsh, and Tyler Welsh; as well as many extended family members, dear friends, coworkers, and all whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

Though his passing was unexpected, Jim's humble kindness, unwavering faith, artistic gifts, and generous spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. While he will be deeply missed, we take comfort in the blessed hope of Christ's soon return and the promise that we will see him again.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jim's life on Friday, August 14, 2026.

Viewing (at the church)

9:00 a.m.

Funeral Service

10:00 a.m.

Southern Asian Seventh-day Adventist Church

2001 East Randolph Road

Silver Spring, MD 20904

Graveside Service

12:30 p.m.

George Washington Cemetery

9500 Riggs Road

Adelphi, MD 20783

Repast

2:30 p.m.

Southern Asian Seventh-day Adventist Church

2001 East Randolph Road

Silver Spring, MD 20904

The service will be livestreamed at https://sasdac.org/watchlive for those who are unable to attend.

"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." — John 14:1–3 (NKJV)