Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
James “Jim” Charles Tuka Jr., 76, of Arvada, Colo., passed away on June 30, 2025.
Jim was born in Chicago to James C. Tuka Sr. and Jean Tuka on Aug. 30, 1948. He graduated from Warsaw High School in 1966. Jim joined the Army after graduation, serving in Schwabach, Germany, where he met his future wife, Gertrud Schwartz. Jim was discharged honorably from the U.S. Army in 1969 having reached the rank of sergeant.
Back home in Warsaw, he started both his family and his career before relocating to Denver, Colo., in 1972. Jim spent most of his career working for Coors Container Company as lead metrologist until retirement. Over the years, Jim enjoyed spending time in the mountains (usually in Leadville with family and friends working on two historic houses), watching football games (especially the Green Bay Packers), and camping and traveling with his children and grandchildren, with a furry companion seemingly always present.
Jim is survived by his wife, Gertrud, of Arvada, Colo.; Angela (daughter) and Christopher Edmundson, of Arvada; Jim (son) and Hang Tran-Tuka, of Broomfield; Teresa (daughter) and Andrew Biller, of Westminster. In addition, Jim is survived by Jeanne Schutz (sister), of Winona Lake; and John (brother) and Debbie Tuka, of Denver. Jim was blessed with nine grandchildren (his “girlies” and “buddies”): Clare Boever (Edmundson), Anna Edmundson, Benjamin Tuka, Annika Tuka, Mia Tuka, Noella Tuka, Ryan Biller, Peter Biller, Noah Biller. Jim’s first great-granddaughter (Magdalena) will be born in July to parents Clare and Joe.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, James C. Tuka Sr.; his mother, Jean Tuka; and his brother-in-law, Jack Schutz.
Funeral services and burial will be held at Mt. Olivet on July 14 at 2 p.m. with a rosary service occurring prior at 1:30 p.m.
Memorial donations may be made to breathrought1d.org and/or Giving - Humane Colorado.
