James R. Kulavic, Sr.

WASHINGTON—James R. Kulavic Sr., 75, of Washington, formerly of Springfield, died at 8:33 AM on Sunday, February 17, 2008, at his home. Born on October 7, 1932, in Springfield, IL to John and Rose Zupancic Kulavic, he married Margaret Ann Szabo on April 24, 1954 in Springfield, IL. She preceded him in death just 6 weeks ago on January 2, 2008. Surviving are 2 sons, Jim (Marie) Kulavic of Chatham, IL, and Jay (Lisa) Kulavic of Washington, IL; 5 daughters, Margie (Skip) Homeier and Mary Ann (Mark) Pyle, both of Springfield, IL, Marilyn (Steve) Brown of Washington, IL, Jean Klein of Aurora, IL, and Jennifer (Jeff) Miller of Champaign, IL; 14 grandchildren, Bobby and Kevin Kulavic of Chatham, IL, Hanna, Hayli and Hillary Kulavic, of Washington, IL, Bradley, Collin and Zachary Homeier, of Springfield, IL, Mitch and Alec Brown of Washington, IL, Grace and Jack Klein of Aurora, IL, Samantha and Joshua Miller of Champaign, IL; 3 brothers, Francis Kulavic and Charles (Celia) Kulavic of Springfield, IL, and Bernard (Rose) Kulavic of Port St. Lucy, FL; and 3 sisters, Mary Stork of Chatham, IL, Clara Cottingham of Petersburg, IL and Rose Hagelmeier of Bossier City, LA. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Loretta Walters and 3 brothers, John Kulavic, Joseph Kulavic and Louis Kulavic. He was a U.S. Army veteran who served during the Korean War. James was a realtor at Coldwell Banker and was retired after more than 40 years in the cemetery business at Mount Hope Cemetery in Champaign, Rose Hill Cemetery in Chicago and Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Washington, a Fourth Degree Member of the Spalding Assembly in Peoria and was currently serving as Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Council #6707 in Washington. James was a dedicated husband and father with strong faith in God. He loved being a grandpa and was especially happy when he was surrounded by his family. He always had a smile to share and was a true friend to all. Our loving father shared the joy of life through all of us with his unconditional love for his wife and family. We will never forget you. A funeral mass will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, February 21 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Chatham, IL, with visitation 2 hours prior to mass at the church, from 9-11 AM. Additional visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Wednesday, February 20 at Deiters Funeral Home in Washington, with recitation of the rosary at 6:45 PM. Jim will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife Margaret at Calvary Cemetery in Springfield, IL. To send condolences online, please visit www.deitersfuneralhome.com. James’ video tribute will be posted on the website following Thursday’s services.

James R. Kulavic, Sr.

October 7, 1932 - February 17, 2008