James W. Sucharski

Dr. James W. Sucharski, age 71 of Hillsboro, Missouri, died surrounded in love by his family on Monday, January 1, 2018, in St. Louis County. He was born December 06, 1946, in Ironton, Missouri. He was married to his wife Renee for 46 years. He was a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church. Jim was a Staff Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps 1965-1971 serving two tours in Vietnam. Receiving numerous combat awards. He poured his life into his family and community. Jim was a retired school administrator holding a PhD from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He educated and guided districts in Missouri for more than 36 years. In his tenure he served; Perry County District 32 as a special education and social studies teacher and later administrator, Bismarck R5 as superintendent, Hillsboro R-3 as superintendent, Bayless Consolidated as superintendent, and Missouri School for the Blind as superintendent. He was most proud of the achievements of his students and staff during his tenure with these districts. He enjoyed seeing others succeed. His role in education was not a job but a passion. He took great pride in teaching future educators as an adjunct professor at Southeast Missouri State, Webster University, Missouri Baptist University and University of Missouri St. Louis. He had a profound impact on educators in the St. Louis region. To recognize his devoted and exemplary contributions to education he was honored with the prestigious Missouri Pioneer in Education Award by the Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education in 2011. Jim was actively involved in the Jefferson County community having served numerous civic groups and nonprofit organizations board of directors. He was a founding member of the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce, Founder and Chair of the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce Christmas Dinner which served the community for 25 years. Member of the Knights of Columbus, Hillsboro Rotary, Hillsboro Lions, Special Olympics of Missouri, Greater St. Louis Boys Scouts, served the Jefferson County Community Partnership, Jefferson County YMCA, Governor's Council for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and many professional and civic affiliations over 46 years in Perry, St. Francois and Jefferson Counties. He received countless awards over the years in recognition for his service to his community, country and education. Including a lifetime achievement award from the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce and most recently was named the Mineral Area College Distinguished Alumni award for 2018, in which he will be honored in May. In retirement his favorite role was being a grandfather and spending time with his family. He enjoyed watching his sons coach and grandchildren play sports and enjoy their hobbies. He enjoyed sitting with friends and family sharing stories, reading, visiting historic sites, and adding to his expansive baseball card collection. Jim leaves a legacy of love of family and friends, service to others, advocate for children and public education, and avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. His family will remember him as a compassionate, selfless, loving man of character and virtue. Survived by: Wife- Renee A. Sucharski (nee Manson) of, Hillsboro, Missouri Son- Brian (Teresa) Sucharski of, Hillsboro, Missouri Son- William A. (Sara) Sucharski of, Hillsboro, Missouri Grandchildren (5) - Chase, Grant James, Ryke, Ryli and Emma. Sister- Mary Dodd of, Farmington, Missouri Sister- Linda (Paul) Lashley of, Caledonia, Missouri Brother- Allan (Wanda) Sucharski of, Farmington, Missouri Brother- David (Aida) Sucharski of Texas Sister- Sue Roney of Farmington, Missouri Sister- Betty (Steve) Brown of, Jackson, Missouri Sister- Dorothy (Amanda) Sucharski of, Port Orchard, Washington Sister in law- Kimi Sucharski of, Indian Mound, Tennessee Our loving uncle, cousin and friend to many. Preceded in death by: Parents- Stephen Leo and Elsie Louise Sucharski (nee Goggin) Brothers- Stephen, Stanley and Patrick Sucharski. Bro in law- Robert Dodd Bro in law- Mike Roney Visitation: Friday, January 5, 2018, from 4:00 until 8:00 pm at Robert D. Brown Funeral Home Inc. 103 Fourth St. Hillsboro Missouri, 63050. Funeral: Mass 11:00 am Saturday, January 6, 2018, at Good Shepherd Catholic Church. 703 Third St. Hillsboro Missouri. 63050. Memorials to Pony Bird http://www.ponybird.info/donate/ or Hillsboro R-3 Foundation http://www.hillsborofoundation.org with Sucharski Scholarship noted in memo line.

James W. Sucharski

December 6, 1946 - January 1, 2018