James Kucera

James Edwin Kucera was born January 4, 1930, to Joseph and Rosalia (Hotz) in Gregory, SD. Jim was the youngest and grew up on various farms in Gregory County.

After graduating from Gregory High School, Jim served his country in the Korean War. After his discharge from the Army, he went to work for Rohr Aviation in Southern California, as a machinist.

On September 14, 1968, Jim married Betty Nash in Imperial, CA, and the couple resided in El Cajon, CA, until Jim retired. The couple then moved to Panguitch, UT, and after that, they settled in Payson, AZ. After Betty’s death in 1998, Jim moved to Winner, SD.

In 2001, he married Darnytia Heying in Winner, SD, and resided there for many years. Darnytia passed away May 29, 2017.

He passed away on May 20, 2021, in Gregory, SD at the Avera Rosebud Country Care Center.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Rosalia, brother, Joseph (Joey) W. Kucera, Jr., sisters, Eleanor Darnaby, Springfield, MO, Viola Hall, Rapid City, SD, and Betty Fortuna, Gregory, SD.

He is survived by his step-children, Linda Watson (Norman) of Ideal, SD, Bob Kucera (Shelley) of Winner, SD, Rick Kucera (Lynnette) of Winner, SD, Darla Jones (Steve) of Rapid City, SD, Brenda Jorgensen, (Bryan) of Ideal, SD, and many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and cousins.

Jim will be laid to rest in the Black Hills National Cemetery for veterans, with a private family service. Mason Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials can be made to the Winner American Legion, where he was a member.