James Joseph Dubina Sr.

James met his future bride, Elaine at a VFW Dance; they married on July 18, 1953 in Chicago, Illinois. They have 5 children, James Jr, married to Janet, Steve Dubina married to Traci, daughters, Roxann, Cindy and Suzette. They have a total of 11 grandchildren, Eugene, Brett, Preston, and Dustin Rowe, Candace and Justin Copper, Austin and Ryan Dubina, Kadan Dubina, James and Jared Dubina. One great grandson, James Dubina IV. In 1968 James moved his family to Arizona and lived in the Sunnyslope area before moving to Black Canyon City in 1995. James served in the US Navy and was a mechanical draftsman prior to retirement. He loved to dance, listen to talk radio. James was a proud American who loved his family and his country. Funeral service will be held at Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary, 200 W. Beardsley Rd., Phoenix, Az 85027 on Saturday, August 24, 2013 at 10:00 AM.

My Grandfather, James Joseph Dubina SR was born on October 15, 1930 in Westmount, Illinois to James and Josephine Dubina.

At a VFW Dance is where he met his future wife, Elaine Homolka. Grandpa and Grandma (James and Elaine) were married on July 18, 1953 in Chicago, IL. They have 5 children: James Dubina Jr married to Janet, Steve Dubina married to Traci and daughters: Roxann, Cindy and Suzette.

They have a total of 11 grandchildren, Eugene, Brett, Preston and Dustin Rowe, Candace and Justin Copper, Austin and Ryan Dubina, Kadan Dubina, James and Jared Dubina. One Great grandson James Dubina IV.

My Grandfather served in the US Navy and returned to Chicago to a mechanical draftsman.

In 1968 he was concerned about the riots and problems in the Chicago area and moved his family to Arizona. My grandfather gave up a good job and career to move his family west. He wanted his family to have a better and safer life and for that the kids are truly grateful.

They lived in the Sunnyslope area before moving to Black Canyon City in 1995.

After retiring he owned a video store, a bar and worked at Walmart as a greeter which he truly enjoyed doing. He worked there for over 5 years and earned the Top Gun award for his dedicated service and catching the most shoplifters.

My Grandfather and Grandmother loved to dance, enjoyed watching Lawrence Welk, black and white movies and old westerns and of course the Polka.

My Grandpa was a true Archie Bunker. The men should work and the women stayed home to care for the children, cook and clean. For years he believed his daughter in law was a meter maid because women could not be cops.

He was a Republican, even ran for mayor in Posen, Illinois in the 1960’s. He lost but he put up a good fight because he believed in trying to make the community a better place.

My grandpa loved to talk politics, listened to talk radio, loved guns.

Some of The things my dad, aunts and uncle remember that they would like you to know about their dad:

He taught each of the kids how to drive using an old Volkswagon manual car out in the desert area. The kids would grind the heck out of the gears but he never yelled and had a lot of patience when it came to the kids driving lessons.

He use to say, “The best way to tell if you are a good driver is when you shift you are not making your passenger’s head jerk while shifting the cars gears. It something they have kept with them today.

Her daughter is grateful for them taking her in, in the time of need and being able to spend quality time for the last 3-4 years with grandpa in their Black Canyon City home..

He brewed his own beer and wine in the late 70 and 80’s before it was popular even making a Jalepeno wine

He had an A-1 beer logo painted on the bottom of his swimming pool

He owned Mr “D’s Bar”

He loved bolo ties

Always carried a handkerchief

Always made sure we had what we needed

He was the bread winner but mom wore the pants.

He was never late to anywhere; if anything he was always early.

He believed in tough love; that the hard way to learn was the only way to learn.

To never give up and work hard to better your situation, whatever that may be.