I remember fondly Jim's sense of humor and positive approach to life, whether it was in class, basketball practice, religious ed, or socially.  He was a great guy, and his passing is a loss for us all.  

I worked as an investigator in Region V along with Jim. He was a very funny guy and full of life and he sure liked food and knew all the best places to get the best for less!  I still tell people of the story of Jim, a baseball nut, who was sitting in front of me at I believe a Pirates game.  Anyway, Jim always wanted to catch a hit ball.  On this particular day, Jim was telling one of his stories and not paying close enough attention to the game.  He stood up and leaned over to tell someone something and a ball was hit right to him or I should say his seat as the ball bounced off his seat and into the hands of another.  We sure had fun razing Jim over the ball he almost got.  
Jim surely will be missed, his passing was a shock to me and I was sadden by the news. Good-bye Jim.  Your OSHA buddy Cal

 Always looked forward sitting with Jim at PCHS athletic events. He was fun to talk to and had a personality that lit up a room. Hawkins gym will not be the same without him. He will be missed. 

I first knew Jim as a child.  His family lived across the alley from my Grandfather Kriegsman.  To say we didn't get into trouble throughout our school years would not be true.  However, I must admit Jim was the good one by comparison.

We lost track of each other after High School.  In fact I was unaware he had served in Viet Nam.  It would appear we were both there at the same time.

Jim was one of those rare individuals who after many years of separation, would make you feel you had just gotten together yesterday.

He will be missed by his many friends and his family.

Jim Kriegsman

To the Lucera family, I am so sorry for your loss.  I first met Jim when he came to work for OSHA.  I was in Ohio and he in Illinois but we were in constant contact by telephone and meetings and soon became friends.  He was a cheerful guy and full of life. 

Jim brought me back into contact with Pekin High classmates and reunions. We talked regularly on the phone. It was such conversations I treasured. Good voyage, my friend, I will miss you. You'll live on in our memories. 

My prayers go out to the Lucera family.  Jim was one of the nicest people I have ever worked with.  He will be greatly missed.

God Bless!
Cozette

I was so shocked to hear of Jim's passing as I just saw him in August.  I am so glad I had the opportunity to "catch up" on our friendship, but so sorry that this will never happen again.  My condolences to the family and loved ones he left behind.  I'm sorry I could be there at the Celebration of Life service.  Sympathy from Bobbie Kincaid.

i can hear Jim on the phone....Sid, you have to come, the group is getting together, all the usual suspects will be there!

Jim always had a warm sense of humor.  He was fun to talk with at any time.  Sorry that he had such an early passing.  He will be missed.

I consider it a privilege to have known Jim.  I imagine wherever he is he is eating some popcorn and enjoying a good film.  My condolences to the family and his many friends.  He will be missed.





Jim was a friend to all--He kept class reunion Meetings going with his wit & humor.  He loved his trivia & loved to talk to all.  He once had to walk me to the nurses' station in high school when I got ill in class!!  He was a "class act". He will be missed. Cheryl Cox Meierhofer

My prayers to the family.  Jim enjoyed talking to people and always had a quote or saying to add to the conversation.

Jim loved his baseball when we were young.
His great enthusiasm of the game was always backed by remembering of players and teams.
A wonderful person.
My deepest sympathy.


Knowing Jim has been a real privilege. He was always so friendly and willing to use his sense of humor each and every time we met. We always compared notes about how our life was changing as we grew older. He was one of a kind. In the days ahead please take time to remember the good times. He certainly was proud of his daughters and thought the world of his grand sons. May he rest in peace.

Jim wil be missed by all.  He truly loved life and visiting places he frequented will not be the same without his smile and greeting.  


   Joyce, Beth and Katey -  Our deepest sympathy.
 We have so many wonderful memories of Jim and all the fun we had through the earlier years.  He was never without a story to tell or crazy comments.  We enjoyed his friendship so much.

We pray God will give you each comfort. 

I want to express my sympathy to Jim's family. Jim was a good friend. I knew Jim and his family when we were kids and he lived on Caroline St.

Jim and I talked a lot early in the morning at Steak and Shake about our growing up and the good times. 

God Bless your soul, 'ole friend.  You will be missed.  

I am so sorry to read about Jim's passing. I have not seen him in awhile. He was always fun to visit with at the events we saw one another. He had great insight into many issues, had a wonderful sense of humor and was a wonderful colleague while he was at Marquette Grade School during the Dorothy Ohlman years. 

   I knew and loved Jim because of his passion to really care  about and mentor young people. My heart is heavy for the sadness I see in all hearts he touched. Jim was full of wisdom and shared life's tough lessons with funny stories and interesting quotes that were attractive to all. Jim had a wonderful mind and a huge heart. Thank you Jim for making a difference in many lives. You did great work. 

Beth and Kate....we will always remember your dad's smile and his love for his daughters. You are in our prayers for comfort and strength. Please do not hesitate to ask for help....we are here for you.

 Charles Baudelaire redefined the flâneur as one "who walks the city in order to experience it".  That definition fit Jim perfectly.  Jim loved experiencing life … his and yours.  Jim didn't argue but loved to disagree … often with a chuckle.   He usually had a quote to backup his thoughts.  Yes, Jim was Pekin’s flâneur and will be missed by many.  Rest well old friend.

Jim was my closest friend in Pekin. Loved his sense of humor
and humanity. Will miss him very much.

Jim was a true friend.  What a loss, passing will leave a big void in so many lives.  Jim was the ambassador for the PCHS Class of 1962.  I will always remember his love of life, love of '62 class reunions/birthdays, and his tremendous memory.  On a personal note, Jim always remembered a day in high school when he and I spent the day in St. Louis going to Forest Park (because the Cardinal game was delayed) and then attending the game in the first row of the upper deck.

You will always be fondly remembered,
Terry Deppert

OBITUARY

James "Jim" B Lucera

May 23, 1944 – December 4, 2014

Preston-Hanley Funeral Home & Crematory

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