James Gutchewsky

JAMES “GUTCH” GUTCHEWSKY James “Jim” Francis Gutchewsky, 71, shared his final captivating smile and peacefully passed away surrounded by family on Friday, March 4, 2016 in Kirkwood, Missouri. He was born February 1, 1945 to Joseph and Bernice (Hafner) Gutchewsky in Omaha, Nebraska. On November 25, 1967 he married Jean Kathryn Heinz in Quincy, Illinois. Survivors include his loving wife and soulmate Jean; his son, Daniel James (Kimberly) Gutchewsky of Webster Groves, his daughter, Lynn Gutchewsky (Douglas) Raines of Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin; 3 beloved grandchildren Michael James, Mia Grace and Annie James Shiloh; 2 sisters Sr. Helene Gutchewsky of St. Louis and Judy Gutchewsky of Kirkwood; 1 brother Frank (Dee) Gutchewsky of Omaha; sister-in-law Connie Williams; brother-in-law Kenneth (Veronica) Heinz; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; mother- and father-in-law Kathryn and John Heinz; 2 brothers Joseph (Jan Pollard) and Jack (Mary) Gutchewsky; and brother-in-law Thomas Williams. Jim “Gutch” enjoyed spending time with his family, volunteering, fishing and traveling. His legacy is full of his joyfulness, bountiful good nature, humor, love of family and zest for enjoying every simple moment. Jim modeled how to give without expecting in return. He taught that “things” in life are not important; people are. Jim embodied the teachings of the Franciscan order as he studied with the Franciscans for eight years prior to his marriage. A Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi Lord make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light and Where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; To be understood, as to understand; To be loved, as to love; For it is in giving that we receive. It is pardoning that we are pardoned. And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 19 at 1:00 p.m. at the Oak Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery at 10301 Big Bend Road in Kirkwood. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Open Door Animal Sanctuary at http://odas.org or Franciscan Charities at http://www.franciscancharities.org

James Gutchewsky

February 1, 1945 - March 4, 2016