William James Tuchek

William James Tuchek, known to all who loved him as Jim, passed away on June 12, 2026, in Crown Point, Indiana, just one day before his 91st birthday, following a brief illness. His was a life marked by hard work, devotion to family, and an unforgettable sense of humor that could light up any room. Jim was born on June 13, 1935, in Gary, Indiana, to the late John A. Tuchek and the late Jane Tuchek. Raised in Gary, he learned the value of honest work at a young age alongside his father at the family's Sherwin Williams paint store. Those early lessons in discipline and responsibility shaped the man he would become. Just two weeks after graduating from Lew Wallace High School, Jim enlisted in the United States Marines, serving his country with honor for 4 years. Upon returning home, Jim enrolled at Indiana University, where he met a beautiful coed named Joyce R. Shannon. The two married and soon welcomed two sons, Michael and Roger, raising them in Merrillville, Indiana. Jim built a varied and industrious career, working in sales at Gary Screw and Bolt and as a bookkeeper at both Nichols Engineering in Griffith, Indiana, and Western Cold Drawn Steel in Gary, Indiana. Determined to advance, he returned to school and earned his Bachelor of Science in Human Resources, which led to his role as Human Resources Director at Deflecto Corporation in Indianapolis. He later held HR Director positions at Lau Industries and Brookside Fan Corporation. Jim's proudest achievement was supporting his son Michael Tuchek through medical school, watching him become a cardiothoracic surgeon. He was equally proud of his son Roger Tuchek, who served 35 years as a Sergeant with the Indianapolis Police Department and now serves on the elite Indiana Task Force 1 and the FEMA Urban Search and Rescue Incident Support Team. A man who could fix nearly anything, Jim took great satisfaction in repairing his own property and vehicles and building his own home in Merrillville. In Tennessee, he enjoyed serving on the gardening committee at his local church, a quiet expression of his faith and care for his community. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John B. Tuchek. Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Joyce Rae Tuchek; his sons, James Michael (Sara Arrivo) Tuchek and John Roger (Teresa) Tuchek; grandchildren: Chad (Samantha) Tuchek, Jacob (Sarah Northern) Tuchek, Bailey (Micheal) Tuchek Burnell, Christopher M. Tuchek, Lauren M. Tuchek; great grandchildren: Temple Elizabeth Tuchek, Theo John Tuchek, Teagan Rose Ann Tuchek, Julia Rae Tuchek, Kinsley Ann Burnell, Brynley Elyse Burnell, Theo James Helmich-Tuchek. May he rest in God's gentle and eternal peace. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Burns Funeral Home & Crematory, Crown Point, IN, entrusted with arrangements. Please visit Jim’s online obituary and guestbook at www.burnsfuneral.com

William James Tuchek

June 13, 1935 - June 12, 2026