Search by Name

Search by Name

James Allan Kugler

1924 - 2022

James Allan Kugler obituary, 1924-2022, Durango, CO

BORN

1924

DIED

2022

FUNERAL HOME

Hood Mortuary - Durango

1261 East 3rd Avenue

Durango, Colorado

James Kugler Obituary

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 Andres 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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Pine River Times on Apr. 21, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for James Kugler

Sponsored by Hood Mortuary - Durango.

Not sure what to say?





4 Entries

Debbie, Shelley & Ross

April 26, 2022

Our thoughts & love are with all of you. He was such a dear sweet person.

With Distinction

bob and melissa elkins

Sent Flowers

DR THOM CARDEN

April 22, 2022

My condolences goes out to his dear wife. Jim and I have been friends for nearly 30 years and he has always been an exemplary example of a Latter Day Saint anyone would be proud to follow. I am thankful I was blessed to have Jim in a part of my life.

The Boss family

April 21, 2022

A true friend, that one always felt the spirit of love,peace and charity when he was around. Sending our condolences and hugs to his family. We love you and miss you.

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

Make a Donation
in James Kugler's name

Memorial Events
for James Kugler

Apr

26

Viewing

10:00 a.m.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Bayfield, CO

Apr

26

Funeral

11:00 a.m.

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Bayfield, CO

Apr

26

Burial

Pine River Cemetery

Bayfield, CO

Funeral services provided by:

Hood Mortuary - Durango

1261 East 3rd Avenue, Durango, CO 81301

How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Kugler's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more