James E. Kukla

March 15, 1950 – May 23, 2003

SOUTH BEND — Capt.James E. Kukla, 53, of Academy Place, South Bend, passed away at 4:15 a.m.Friday, May 23 in Memorial Hospital after suffering an apparent heart attack. Jim was born on March 15, 1950, in South Bend and was a lifetime resident of the South Bend area. At the time of his death, he was employed with the Mikolajewski & Associates, Inc., in the security division having the rank of Captain. Capt.Kukla was an avid marksman with an expert rating, and a certified marksmanship instructor. Jim was also an avid Chicago White Sox and Chicago Bears sports fan.He loved fishing and hunting and was a member of the National Rifle Association (NRA). He was one of the founding fathers of the Portage Ave.youth group in the 70s. Jim was a graduate of LaSalle High School Class of 1968.He was also a member of the South Side Baptist Church.

He is survived by his parents, Edward D.Kukla Sr., and Esther I. (Kowalski) Kukla of South Bend; three sisters, Lynn Joslin of South Bend, Jill Butterfield of Walnut Creek, Calif., and Diane Manning of Lexington, Ky.;two brothers, Edward D. Kukla Jr. of Fremont, Calif., and Gary K.(Angie) Kukla of New Carlisle, Ind.;four nieces, Bonnie, Emily, Candice and Kayla; two nephews, Evan and Toby.Also surviving are several aunts and uncles.Along with surviving family member, is a very special person and close friend of the family and Jim is Victoria Cooper.

The family requested that all memorial contributions be made to Ronald McDonald House (Riley Children’s Hospital), 435 North Limestone Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202 or to the South Side Baptist Church, 1130 E.Jackson Road, South Bend, IN 46614 or to the Charity of Donors Choice. Jim will not only be missed by his loving family, he will be missed by all who knew him.He was a very caring man who loved his nieces and nephews and was always there to help

Source: Newspapers.com

06/11/2024 EJS