James Kugler

James Allan Kugler, age 97, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 with his wife at his side in Durango, Colorado.

Jim, as James was known, was born July 8, 1924 in Richmond, Missouri to Johann Andreas Kugler and Sabina Grace Kugler. He was the 5th of five children. His father delivered him because the doctor didn't make it in time. He grew up during the Great Depression and said that "We were not poor. There just wasn't any money and no way to earn it. If we didn't have money, we did without." But through it he learned to work hard and make do.

After graduating from high school, Jim and his brother Marvin enlisted in the Army and ended up in Europe during WWII. Jim was in the Army's 100th Infantry Division and survived the frontlines of WWII. His brother, sadly, died in the adjacent town during the first day of the Battle of the Bulge. Jim was proud of his country and honored the sacrifice made by so many during that war to protect our freedoms. He was honored to have served and shared his experiences with many. He came home a decorated veteran. After his military service he went into the construction business, a trade he worked in until he retired. He married Edna Kugler and was married to her until she passed away. In 1988 Jim moved to southwest Colorado where he lived until his death. In his golden years he married Shirl Pickering and spent the remaining twenty-two years of his life with her as his companion. They were always together, whether out on walks, at church, or out serving.

Jim's life was about service, he spent his life helping others, always without being asked. He shared his knowledge, skills, and time when he saw a need. Jim was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and never tired of sharing his beliefs with others. He tried to emulate the life of his Savior, Jesus Christ.

The way he lived—his hard work, dedication to God and family, courage in hardship—are all part of what made the greatest generation what it was. He was one of the good ones and will be missed.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents Johann and Sabina Kugler, his siblings, Marie, Andrew, JT, and Marvin, his first wife, Edna Kugler and their three children, Bill, Pat, and Jay.

He is survived by his wife Shirl Kugler and her daughter Melissa (Cory) Sanders and son Tim (Mihaela) Pickering, as well as nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday April 26th at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Bayfield, with funeral to follow at 11 a.m. and burial immediately after at the Pine River Cemetery also in Bayfield.