In Loving Memory of Jim F. Kutzler a Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Friend.

With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Jim, a remarkable man whose life was a testament to love, perseverance, and the joy of a well-timed joke. Jim passed away on April 14, 2024, following complications from a fall from a ladder. He was two months away from celebrating his 69th birthday. He left behind a legacy as colorful and vibrant as the paint jobs on the classic cars he loved to restore.

Born on June 15, 1955 to Ethel M. Crichton* and Louis A. Kutzler* in Waukegan, Illinois. Jim spent his formative years in Gurnee, Illinois, alongside his older brother Lou and a tight-knit group of friends who eventually became like family.

Joe Kolar and Jim shared a bond so profound, they were like brothers, inseparable in their loyalty to each other. Nothing, not even the fiercest obstacles like hell, high water, or vigilant security guards, could ever keep them apart.

In 1973, Jim met the love of his life, Judy Kutzler (Keyser) on a blind date. Jim was persistent in asking Judy out and persistence paid off, culminating in their memorable first date at Great Lakes Dragaway. On the day he first picked up Judy from her parents' home, Jim was determined to make a stellar impression. Despite being short on time, he spared no effort in sprucing up his car. However, faced with a time crunch, he could only manage to wax half of the vehicle—the side that Judy and her family would see.

Jim, with a heart as bold as his driving, proposed to Judy in a car wash after a family dinner. Their journey together was sealed in matrimony in 1976. But their love story wasn't just written in words; Judy’s name was pinstriped on the passenger door of his cherished 1957 Chevy Belair, “Racer”. During their courtship, Jim's mention of selling the car was met with Judy's steadfast declaration: "If you sell that car, I am not dating you." True to her word, the iconic vehicle now rests in their garage and will be passed down to their eldest daughter, Charlene.

Jim lovingly revived several cars, each with its own story to tell. Among his prized projects was another 1957 Chevy Belair, meticulously crafted for his youngest daughter, Debbie, and a sleek 1972 Split Bumper Camaro, restored as a token of love for his wife, Judy. These vehicles stand not only as symbols of Jim's craftsmanship but also as tangible reminders of the enduring bond shared within their family. They represent a legacy of cherished memories, destined to be passed down through generations.

From an early age, Jim exhibited a talent for transforming damaged items into works of art and crafting unique pieces that would make you question his artistic process. When others asked "why," he asked "why not." He took an old carnival ride and combined it with a mobility scooter to create a one of a kind Octo-cart which he would proudly parade around the neighborhood while wearing a WW2 helmet. His creativity and love for mechanics were passed onto his best buddy, Shane. They spent countless hours together in Grandpa's garage, their favorite hangout spot.

Jim’s entrepreneurial spirit and keen eye for opportunity led him and Judy to turn a hobby into a thriving business, establishing Remember That Antique Mall in 1997. As a business owner, Jim was a force to be reckoned with. He was a true jack-of-all-trades. Whether he was doing maintenance work or behind the counter of his shop, he approached each task with determination and a smile. Jim and Judy sold the antique mall a week prior to Jim’s passing and were looking forward to a well-earned retirement.

But perhaps Jim’s greatest talent was his knack for bringing laughter to others, achieved through his quick wit, abundant one-liners, and playful pranks. He could turn even the gloomiest of days into a comedy show. His jokes were legendary, his sense of humor infectious, and his laughter could light up a room like nothing else.

But Jim's talents weren't limited to fixing cars and cracking jokes. He was also a devoted family man and friend, always ready with a hug, words of wisdom, or a shoulder to lean on.

His children Charlene & Ryan Flitsch, Debbie & Jerry O’Connell and grandchildren Shane, Kaylee, Owen and Colton were his pride and joy, and he delighted in teaching them the finer points of business transactions, pride in American history, general life lessons, and the art of a well-timed punchline.

Though Jim may no longer be with us in body, his spirit lives on in the memories he created and the laughter he shared. Rest easy, Jimmy Jack. May your jokes echo through the halls of Heaven, and may the engines you loved to tinker with purr in your memory for eternity.

At present, Jim's family is navigating their profound loss, and as such, no formal services are currently scheduled. Instead, Jim's legacy invites us to honor him in a way that mirrors the warmth and camaraderie he cherished. He found joy in the simplicity of family dinners and spirited game nights, where every shared laugh felt like a victory. In tribute to Jim, let us come together with our loved ones, reminiscing about the moments that made him so dear to us. May these gatherings serve as a heartfelt celebration of a life well-lived and a reminder of the enduring bonds we share.

*Deceased

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