James R. Kudlacik, 89, who was affectionately known as Jim, Slim Jim, Cadillac, Bud, Old Timer, Buddy, Dad, Pops, and Grandpa-Grandpa, passed away on July 30, 2026, at home with his family by his side. He was born on August 5, 1936, in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, son to Stanley and Margaret (Goebel) Kudlacik. Jim lived a life defined by hard work, family, friendship, and a determination to stay busy. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, entering service in 1954 and transitioned to the reserves in January of 1957. Jim’s professional journey spanned 26 years as a truck driver, working for Colonial Bread, Illinois Wholesale, Meyer Material in Rockford before retiring in 1998 at the age of 62. Retirement, however, did not last long. He soon went to work for his son's businesses mowing their properties, where his attention to detail and the pride he took in a job well done were evident in everything he did. Jim and Nancy enjoyed spending their winters in Florida, but year after year Jim made sure they were back home by March because mowing season was right around the corner. Jim continued mowing lawns until he was 83 years old. On August 29, 1959, Jim married Nancy Lundquist after the two met through a group of friends. Together they built nearly 67 years of memories, sharing a life filled with family, travel, and lifelong friendships. Those friendships remained important throughout the years; Jim and Nancy enjoyed annual trips to The Barge in Genoa, Wisconsin with those friends (and friends made along the way), creating traditions and memories that would last a lifetime. Traditions and memories were easy with Jim, his crafting a cabin in Belmont, Wisconsin for all of his family to enjoy led to copious memories fishing, camping, swimming, campfires, lots of laughs and golf cart rides and so many other activities. Jim enjoyed spending time outdoors and rarely passed up an opportunity to go fishing. His family fondly remembers the early morning fishing trips that often began long before sunrise, with everyone being loaded into the car at 3 a.m. so they could be on the water by daybreak somewhere in Wisconsin. While those early departures may not have been appreciated by everyone at the time, they became some of the stories and memories most often shared with a smile. Jim also enjoyed golfing, dabbled in bowling, and looked forward to the many camping and fishing trips he took to Canada over the years. A dependable handyman, Jim was often the person family and friends called when something needed fixing. He was always willing to lend a hand and help wherever he could. Above all else, Jim loved his family. His grandchildren were his glory, and anyone who saw him at family gatherings could see it on his face. Few things made him happier than being surrounded by those he loved, sharing stories, laughter, and time together.

He will be missed by those who loved him most, his wife, Nancy; their children Timothy (Lisa), Teresa, Todd (Gabriella) Kudlacik and Traci (Frank) Krumwiede; the beloved grandchildren Jacob (Kimmy) Kudlacik, Rebecca (Devin) Phillips, Allen (Jewel) Boatwright, Bradley Boatwright, Fabian Kudlacik, Samantha Monaco, Daniel (Jenna) Monaco, Dominic (Jessica) Monaco, Tiera Monaco, Madison Krumwiede and Rylee Krumwiede; 17 great-grandchildren, with one on the way; his siblings Ann (Larrry), Dwayne, and Beth; numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, his sister Dorothy “Dottie” Alberti; his nephew David Alberti and niece Cindy McKenna.

Cremation rites were accorded to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel. A very heartfelt thank you to Dr. Rachael Hansen, Dr. Jessica Skinner, the staff at UW Health in Byron Illinois, as well as Serenity Hospice in Oregon Illinois and especially all of the caregivers that have helped Jim and the family though this 4 and a half year journey.

A time to gather and celebrate Jim’s life will take place on Saturday, August 29th, 2026, starting at 1 p.m. at 8242 E. Line Road, Kirkland, Illinois 60146, where good food and lots of memories are encouraged to be shared by all. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com