James J. Protack Sr., of Clayton, DE, passed away on Monday September 17, 2018 at the Delaware Hospice Center of Milford, DE. He was 69.

He was born in Wilmington, DE on July 1, 1949 to the late Charles Thomas Protack Sr. (a former Wilmington Councilman) and Irene (Pawlikowski) Protack.

He was a graduate of Wilmington High School and had been a professional roller skater at a young age. He was employed as an HVAC mechanic for many years, and formerly lived in Wilmington, Newark, Lewes, and most recently, Clayton DE.

He enjoyed the beach, boating, fishing, crabbing, and was an avid Delaware Park attendee who loved to gamble. He loved the Eagles and Phillies and was an avid NASCAR fan, his favorite driver being the #3 Intimidator, Dale Earnhardt Sr.

As a child, he enjoyed ice skating on the pond by their childhood home. He and his older brother Charlie enjoyed skating along a slow-moving train and hopping up into it.

He is survived by his children, James J Protack Jr aka Jamie (10/7/74), Courtney Michelle Protack (9/7/84), Brian David Protack (9/20/86), and Ariel Maryanne Protack (4/29/90); his grandchildren, Austin Protack, Jayden Protack, Landon Knox, Journey Protack, Sienna and Dakota Dye and many other adopted grandchildren; and his friend and mother to his three younger kids, Michelle DiStefano, who had a mutual respect as friends. He also grew to love his daughters beloved pets as his own.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers Charles Thomas Protack Jr. and Daniel Protack.

Memorial services will be held 2 PM Sunday September 23 at Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home, 123 W. Commerce St., Smyrna. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donating to a memorial fund on GoFundMe to help defray the funeral expenses. https://www.gofundme.com/james-protack-memorial

To sign the online guestbook, please click on the tab marked "View and Sign Guestbook".

Arrangements are by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.