James “Jim” E. Kudla, 72, of Dallas, TX, died on Sunday, February 22, 2026, with loved ones by his side. 

Jim was born in Chicago, Illinois, in September 1953, to the late Edward and Geraldine Kudla. He grew up in Chicago with his two loving older sisters, Kathy and Diane. The three siblings made memories together in the backyard pool and sitting on the front porch. Jim and his dad tinkered with anything they could find and even built a small sailboat together. 

He graduated with a chemical engineering degree from the University of Illinois - Chicago. His first job led him to Idaho Falls, Idaho, where he was trained to work in a nuclear power plant. He moved back to the mid-west, moving to Indiana where he lived until moving to Texas in 2024. 

In March 1981, Jim married Evelyn “Kay” (Braaksma) Hancock, also choosing to adopt her daughter, Courtney. The three of them did everything together, from camping in their pop-up camper and hiking, to bike riding. Jim even taught Courtney and Kay to play golf. Through the years, they took family vacations to some of the best beaches and golf courses. While they were competitive on the course, they laughed and cherished the time together. 

Jim and Kay lived in Remington for 24 years together, doing renovations to their home inside and out. Jim could build anything out of wood, from a swing set and playhouse for Courtney, to a tri-level deck and a gazebo for Kay. When they moved for his job, Jim built another gazebo twice as big as the first one. 

Jim worked in production management throughout his career in Indiana, beginning with a soy manufacturing company and then moving to a pharmaceutical plant. Jim’s quiet determination and subtle sarcasm allowed him to hone his management skills and make life-long friends at work. Following the pharmaceutical production, Jim moved into the steel industry where he was a production manager and safety officer.

When Kay passed away in 2008, Jim thought he’d never find love again. He fortunately found love again with Janet Quatman. Janet and Jim were together for more than 10 years. They enjoyed an active life together, hiking Michiana’s nature spots, exploring local parks, attending church, and walking their dog in the neighborhood. 

Jim loved his family with all his heart, especially his two granddaughters, Lena and Hannah. For each of their births he drove all the way to Texas to meet them within days of their births. He even helped put up a wallpaper border in each of their nurseries after they were born. Time spent with his grandkids brought a smile to his face every time.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Kay Kudla. 

He is survived by his daughter Courtney Shade (Kevin) of Dallas, TX, sisters, Kathy Kudla (Kevin Babiak) of Evanston, IL, Diane Banks (Billie) of Monee, IL, grandchildren Lena and Hannah Shade, his fiancé, Janet Quatman of Elkhart, IN, brother-in-law Kevin Braaksma (Valerie), brother-in-law Bob Braaksma (Dianne); Joe and Cindy Hancock, as well as nieces and nephews Daniel Banks (Jessica), Stephen Banks (Zandra), Heather Okeley (Mike), Kyle Braaksma, Emmett Albertson (Jessica), Brent Hancock (Emalie), and Emily Cook (Matheu). In addition, Janet’s children Dominic Quatman (Grace), Chelsea Zehr (Neil), and PJ Quatman, and her grandchildren. Many great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 10:45 AM (EST) Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Stitz-Clapper Funeral Home of Remington. Funeral Mass to follow at 11:00 AM (EST) in Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Remington. Fr. Joshua Bennett officiating. Interment to follow in Remington Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations in Jim’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.