Streator Times Press

James J. Tutko 1941-2009

Streator--James J. "Jim" Tutko, 67, passed away at St. Mary's Hospital Tuesday morning, August 4, after fighting a battle with cancer. 

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Friday at Immaculate Conception Church.  Visitation will be fro 8 to 11 a.m. Friday at Solon, Baker & Telford Funeral Home, Streator.  Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery, Streator.  Pall bearers will be Eric and Brad Schmitt, Michael and Patrick Hart, Michael Sokol, and Daniel Stash.  Full Military rites will be conducted at the graveside by members of the Leslie G. Woods American Legion Post 217 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1492.

Born December 7, 1941, in Streator, he was the son of Joseph and Valerie (Dutkiewicz) Tutko.  He married Michele Hart on December 16, 1977, in Ottawa.  She survives in Streator.

He is also survived by two daughters, Cathy (Ron) Schmitt of Streator and Jennifer (Jim Bock) Tutko of Streator; sons James (Ashley Thomas) Tutko and Jason (Susan Radonic) Tutko, both of Streator;  a sister, Beverly (Marvin) Schmitt of Streator; his father-in-law, Ed Hart of Streator; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Joseph and Raymond Tutko and a brother, Donald in infancy; and his mother-in-law, Grace Hart.

Born and raised in Streator, Jim attended St. Mary's Grade School and graduated from Streator High School, class of 1960.

He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.  He served with the 18th military police brigade.  He worked for Anchor Glass Company in central machine repair for 46 years, retiring in January 2007.

He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, a life member of VFW Post 1492, and also belonged to Lazy Acres Club.

Jim loved his 50s and 60s music with Elvis Presley as his American idol.  He was a handyman and could build or fix anything.  No project was too big or too small for him.  He was a great father and loving husband and will truly be missed by everyone.