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James Charles Witucki
1944 - 2019
James Charles Witucki
1944 - 2019
Obituary
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James Witucki Obituary
Nov 4, 1944 ~ Nov 13, 2019
"To strive, to seek, to find and not to yield" Alfred, Lord Tennyson
Well, my picture is in the obits, so I must be dead. I departed this world on 11/13/19. I, James Charles Witucki I, was born to Ernest A. and Mary T. (Kopczynski) Witucki on November 4, 1944 at 6:06 A.M.( I was fond of double numbers!) in South Bend, Indiana.I attended St. Casimir's Elementary School and Washington High School in South Bend. I attended the University of Utah after I moved here in 1962; I received a B.S. in 1965 and an M.S. in 1967 in History. I married my college sweetheart, Monika F. Hood at the Fort Douglas Chapel on July 27th, 1968; 51 wonderful years. She was the joy of my life and together we raised 3 delightfully bright and charming children: Theresa (Matthew) Brown, Houston, Texas; James II (Sheri) Salt Lake City, Utah; and John Paul (Kirby), Las Vegas, Nevada.
I am also survived by 2 brothers: David (South Bend), Ernest (Denver) and a sister: Joyce Buhler (Sandy). I am also survived by 5 grandchildren: Aleksander, James III, Connor, Christian and Maren, and numerous nephews and nieces.
I taught History/Sociology at South High (1966-1982) and East High (1983-2001) for 35 years. I enjoyed teaching and felt that is how I left this world a better place. I also served in the Utah State Legislature from 1983-1985 as a proud Democrat. I loved learning so I attended 13 colleges and universities including Harvard, Stanford, Notre Dame and Whitman College.
I loved to travel; I visited Europe at least a dozen times. I also traveled to China, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Peru (Machu-Picchu), Ecuador (the Galapagos Islands), Cuba, Croatia, Slovenia, Canada, Mexico and 45 of the 50 States.
My greatest joys were my darling wife, my family, my friends, my flowers, my walks, the gym, and leisure and pleasures.
My services will be held at the Cathedral of the Madeleine on Monday, November 25th at noon. A visitation will precede the mass.
In lieu of flowers please give to one of the many worthwhile programs at the Cathedral of the Madeleine, St. Jude's Hospital, or the charity of your choice.
Take time and really focus on the ones you love, forgive those who hurt you, and raise a glass in celebration of Jim's life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Benjamin Okun
June 24, 2024
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...
Steve Witucki
August 17, 2022
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
Tim Cuthbertson
September 8, 2021
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.
David L. Aguirre
November 14, 2020
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?!
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Dennis Harsch
November 30, 2019
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.
November 27, 2019
Mr Witucki was one of my teachers at South High. he was a great teacher and a world class man!
Condolences to his Family
Charlton (C J ) Johnson
November 24, 2019
For someone I will miss the rest of my life. We truly lost A great one.
Rick Emmertson
November 24, 2019
Every student loved Mr. Witucki. I had him in '68 for study and in '69 for ethnic studies and '70 for sociology.
Jay Jaffe
November 24, 2019
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.
November 24, 2019
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
Richard Rogers
November 24, 2019
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.
November 23, 2019
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
Joyce Satterfield
November 23, 2019
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.
Rod Young
November 22, 2019
One of the best ever. thoughts and prayers to the family. Never forget him. Rod Young South High 1971
Eleanor Houston
November 22, 2019
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.
maxine shoell
November 21, 2019
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
Brad Wilder
November 21, 2019
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.
Shelly Pierce
November 21, 2019
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
Dave Porter
November 21, 2019
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.
Joann Corey Price
November 21, 2019
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.)
Amber
November 21, 2019
My prayers are with u all. He was a nice man he was one of my teachers at east.
Cathie C.
November 21, 2019
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.
Joseph Bullough
November 20, 2019
I never met Jim but heard many good things about him from my wife. Condolences to all of his family.
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