James Joseph Kutschke

Jim Kutschke Jul 22, 1944 - Nov 06, 2020 James Joseph Kutschke devoted husband and beloved father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend passed away on November 6, 2020 due to a stroke suffered during a surgical procedure. He is survived by his wife of 54 years Mary Pat; his sons Bob(Wendy), Woodstock, GA, and Brian (Amy), Mountain Brook, AL, four grandchildren: Robert, Madison, Lauren, and Andrew; sister: Charlotte Wolford, Naples, FL; several nieces and nephews and a wonderful group of extended family and friends. Jim was born in 1944 and grew up in the Elmhurst, IL area. It was during high school that Jim in his letterman's sweater caught the eye of Mary Pat Rogers. And thus began a 60 year romance between them which continued while Jim attended Butler University in Indianapolis, IN where he was a brother of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Jim and Mary Pat married in 1966 and Jim joined the Air Force. Jim proudly served his country and attained the rank of Captain while stationed in Biloxi, MS. After leaving the Air Force, Jim with Mary Pat moved to Boston, MA to begin his business career. A few years later they moved to Birmingham, AL where Jim worked in sales for the Jim Dandy Corporation. Eventually, he and his father-in-law, Bob Rogers, bought the Ad Shop which Jim ran and grew for over 20 years. Jim had a wonderful sense of humor and had many cherished friendships. He was involved his entire adult life in the Masonic Order. He was a member of Shades Valley Lodge 829 in Homewood, AL. Jim was also a proud member of Birmingham Scottish Rite and served as Director of the Greeters unit at Zamora Shriners in Birmingham. In his retirement, Jim loved time at the lake boating (powered and sometimes without power) and leading the ICC with his grandchildren. He was devoted to caring for his bride, and enjoyed spending time with his family and many friends. Jim is predeceased by his parents Martha and Earl Kutschke. A private service will be held with family. There will be a Celebration of Life to honor Jim in 2021. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jim's name to the Jimmie Hale Mission of Birmingham, AL.Burial NOV 13. 11:30 AM (CST) Elmwood Cemetery600 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.Birmingham, GA 35211