James Charles Witucki

It was not the brightest of times for a teenaged Jewish Democrat in 1980's Salt Lake City, but having Mr. Witucki for AP European History at East High School provided a reassuring sense of space, and his indefatigable verve and enthusiasm, while recounting the pillaging-based misdeeds of rampaging European visigoths, really was a welcome distraction. In moments between classes, we enjoyed exchanging privately snide comments on Republican foibles, snickering at the Quayle performance in the debates, and rolling our eyes at the ongoing insolence from entitled, unwarrantedly vocal young conservative classmates. I wish I'd known Mr. Witucki better, I'm sorry both that he's gone, and that I only got a 4 on the AP exam but it wasn't his fault, and I am delighted, if not surprised, to see the joie de vivre with which he savored his broader life. May his memory continue to teach...

My great aunt monika.it has been a very long time. I am doing very well. I know the pain of loss of jim was to you. I want to let you know that you and Jim were sooo very good to me. I am a very good fighter and goal setter now. I miss terry,jimmy and John. How are there futures. I really need you to just write to me only. I have learned a lot in life I did do some things amazing. Hugs and kisses because you made a huge impact in my goals. Take care.LLAPSteve

Apologies for my tardiness.

I used to go to the gym around the same time as Jim. I loved talking history and current events with Jim, and we'd discuss our families, as well. He was honest yet optimistic, which seems a rare combo these days. He was also thoughtful and a great listener. This world sure could use a lot more like Jim Witucki.

My sincerest, though belated, condolences to Ms. Witucki and everyone in the family.

I was blessed to have Mr. Witucki as my History and sociology teacher. In addition he took pity on me and allowed me to be his teacher’s aid in 1972-73. He taught me so much more than subject matter. He taught me how to demand more or myself than what was usually expected and to anticipate success. He made a difference in my life and I will always love him for that.

Monika, I am sorry for your loss. But, knowing him, I’ll bet he checks in now and then. He loves you so much how could he stay away?!

Jim Witucki - a very wise gentleman I recently had the pleasure of meeting, along with himself and some of the family. The loss cannot be expressed in simple words. Rest in peace.

Mr Witucki was one of my teachers at South High. he was a great teacher and a world class man!
Condolences to his Family

For someone I will miss the rest of my life. We truly lost A great one.

Every student loved Mr. Witucki. I had him in '68 for study and in '69 for ethnic studies and '70 for sociology.

I'm so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He taught my Civics/US History and World History classes from 1984-86. I fondly recall him as one of my favorite teachers, and I enjoyed his wit and his bemused tales of his time in the legislature. He was a key figure in my life when it came to understanding how to navigate within a culture with which I was as one of three or four Democrats in his class largely at odds. RIP and love to his family and friends.

What a beautiful reflection of Mr. Witucki's life! I, too, remember the popular culture days of each decade studied and looked forward to what music he would play. He gave his own title to each decade. He said he thought the seventies would be The Sedate Seventies. I remember him as a very engaging teacher and as a friend. I remember being in his home. I baby sat on several occasions. I would often quote him at the dinner table until my mom would ask me to stop with the Mr. Witucki said this and Mr. Witucki said that. He was a great lecturer. A bit stand up comedian. Any educator that truly lasts 30 or more years and continues to love teaching should have a statue in their honor. Most teachers of that ilk should feel immense satisfaction in the imprint their toiling in the public education system has left, both discernible and subtle, on so very many lives.
Those were the days, my friend, we thought they'd never end...
South High had its share of great teachers. So sad to lose the one named Jim. Condolences to his family.

Rachelle (McDermott) Snow Class of 73

Jim was my favorite teacher at East High School and motivated me to follow in his footsteps. I am currently a 20 year high school history teacher veteran. Condolences and best wishes to Jim's family.

He was such an intelligent man, the way he crafted a thought was incredible, truly had a gift! One of my all time favorite teachers, thought of him many times over the years!
Janeen Cook Gaisford class of 1980

Rest In Peace Mr. Witucki. One of the best teachers at South High. I only had him for a short time because he was in the legislature but remember his kind spirit and zest for life. Always smiling and making me love history. May peace be with your family at this time.

One of the best ever. thoughts and prayers to the family. Never forget him. Rod Young South High 1971

I also had Mr. Witucki for a history teacher at South High in the early '70's. He was a great teacher. He taught our history class by decades including music, fashion trends, cultural changes, as well as the more traditional history. The sociologist in him added so much to the class. We all looked forward to his class and as mentioned his sense of humor. Condolences to his family and friends.

what a shock to see him in the paper ! Yep I cut his hair and also knew him from South High School the best Teacher! sad to see this
Maxine shoell

I first met Jim some 40 years ago when I had him as a teacher at South High. He made learning fun and exciting because of the way he taught. I didnt see him again until about 15 years ago when I ran into him delivering mail to another former teacher. He hadnt changed a bit and still had the same sense of humor. Soon after that I changed post offices and started a new delivery route. Lo and behold I found that Jim lived on my route. I have had the opportunity to get to know both Jim and Monika over the last 14 years. We have had some wonderful conversations over the years. My heart goes out to Monika and the entire family as the world has lost a great individual and teacher.

I so enjoyed Mr. Witucki's classes. He taught me so much about history and sociology and was very good at taking a joke. I remember, too, babysitting for him a time or too. The obituary was delightful and it was clearly a life well lived. My condolences to the family

I was a student of Mr. Witucki at South High in the 1960s. I enjoyed his style of teaching and his wonderful attitude. He did not take himself serious. How refreshing that was then and I've tried to follow that same philosophy. I got to know him a little better when I was a radio reporter covering the Utah Legislature during his term in the House. He is a great guy.

I was blessed to have Mr. Witucki as my sociology teacher at South High in 1969-70. He was definitely one of the "cool" ones who, not only knew instruction, but also got us and our many quests for acceptance, tolerance, and independent expression. I, too, became an educator for 32 years and am forever grateful for the foundations that were layed upon me by such greats as this man. My condolences and deepest sympathies to the family. I know he has left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of many.
(A side note: Coincidently. my cousin, Roxi, used to babysit at the Witucki home.)

My prayers are with u all. He was a nice man he was one of my teachers at east.

He was one of the best teachers at South High. I I Volunteered for his first run for office. He tried to inspire you to learn. I am so sorry for your loss. But he left a good imprint on so many I am sure. RIP and my prayers are with his family.

I never met Jim but heard many good things about him from my wife. Condolences to all of his family.