A jack of all trades, Jim built a life of quiet dedication and full of many passions. When it came to working with his hands, there was not a medium that Jim did not enjoy or try. He spent time mastering crafts such as woodworking, photography, artistic blacksmithing, machinery work, gardening, and playing the guitar. Although, his true passion was being a husband to his wife of 38 years, Diana. Having met at a small singles club, Jim and Diana discovered a connection that grew exponentially and culminated in a marriage six months later. Together they built their family and filled each other’s lives with joy and love. Jim’s thirst for knowledge brought them to places all over the world. He and Diana traveled to Alaska, Greece, the Caribbean, Kentucky, and Yellowstone National Park. While Jim would most likely be described as reserved or easy-going, his love for his family was apparent daily with unwavering dedication and his presence will be deeply missed.
Born on June 8, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois to the late Joseph A. Kucera and the late Margaret E. Kucera (nee Whetstone); he was the beloved husband of Diana Lea Kucera (nee Liebert). Cherished father of the late James A. Kucera and Christine Sleeman (Ed Claudio); adored grandfather of Crystal Sleeman (Frank Mustari), Loretta Sleeman (Ethan Breyn); loved stepfather of Laura (James) Santucci, Robert (Kris) Noonan, and David (Lisa) Noonan; doting step grandfather of Taylor Diana Santucci (Mason Bates), Zachary Santucci, Rachel Noonan (Justin Tillman), Joseph Noonan, Beth Noonan, Kevin Noonan, Drew Noonan, and Jack Noonan; dear brother of Dorothy (Rich) Schwarz; caring cousin of Carole Jean (the late John) Koeune, Ed Whetstone, Jr., and Karen Whetstone; and fond brother-in-law of Mary Rose Strezewski, Tom (Madeline) Liebert, John Liebert, and Marty (Carol) Liebert.
Visitation Monday, August 4, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Oehler Funeral Home, 2099 Miner St., Des Plaines, IL. Final Prayers at 10:15 a.m. Funeral Mass 11 a.m. at St. Emily Catholic Church, 1400 E. Central Rd., Mt. Prospect, IL. Interment Ridgewood Memorial Park, Des Plaines. For more information, please call (847) 824-5155.
