James M. Duha

James M. Duha, 63 of Whiting, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 6, 2024 at St. Catherine Hospital, East Chicago. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Kimberely (nee Nelson); loving father of Emily (Michael Sering) Duha, Stephen Duha and John Duha; cherished grandpa of Finley Sering; dearest brother of Jack (Joie) Duha and Carol Lynn (Jeff) Johnson; dear uncle of Eric Johnson, Andrew Duha and the late Hope, Alex and Lauren Johnson.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 at 10:00am at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119 th St., Whiting; a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:30am at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting, with the Rev Mark R. Peres, C.PP.S., officiating; interment, St. John Cemetery, Hammond; visitation at the funeral home on Monday, September 16, 2024 from 4:00 to 8:00pm; members of the parish will offer prayers at the funeral home on Monday at 4:30pm. Expressions of sympathy may be placed on-line at www.baranfh.com.

James Duha was born on July 13, 1961 to Camillus and Janet (Carmichael) Duha. He was a lifelong resident of the Whiting-Robertsdale Community and was a graduate of George Rogers Clark High School, Class of 1979. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Whiting and the Slovak Catholic Sokol, Wreath 81. He was a proud US Navy Veteran and was a member of the American Legion, Whiting Post 80 (memorial service, Monday at 6:00pm). He was a licensed A & P Mechanic for American Airlines with a service of 32 years and was a member of the Transport Workers Union. Jim was a Veteran of the US Navy as an Aviation Structural Mechanic. He proudly stated that “he sailed the seven seas” and slept on his planes while on the U.S. carriers. He also was an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist (EODS) with the US Army. Because of his EODS expertise, his Fourth of July parties were legendary. After two years in the Army, he went back to the Navy to aid and support the SEAL teams. After leaving the military, he had a successful career with American Airlines at O’Hare Airport. An accommodation was given to Jim for taxiing a plane to safety when a bomb threat was confirmed. Growing up in Whiting was great. It was a culture of fun and freedom, especially when you got a driver’s license. Jim, and his brother, Jack, had many friends, some of whom were older and shared their skills and knowledge and “race cars” were the most exciting thing. As soon as Jim had his license he searched for his first car. A 1967 Camaro. He later sold it to Jack so he could buy a 1968 Corvette convertible. Between these brothers, they installed at least 5 engines in both of these cars. All by hand and with help from their friends. Jim moved on to a commitment to the Navy to pursue a career in aviation. While stationed for a period in the mid 1980’s in SanDiego at the “Top Gun” air base, working on F14 “Tomcat” jet fighters. Jim would drive to Chino airport to help prepare an “Unlimited” Air Racer called “Dago Red”. A modified P51 fighter plane. The owner and crew took a liking to Jim and his support. Getting leave from duty was not going to be easy, but the owner of the Racer knew an Admiral. Wheels were greased and strings were pulled so that Jim could travel with them to Reno for the big Air Race. Jim was so proud and grateful and stayed in touch with many of friends from that experience. Jim also collected anything military! From a Willys Jeep to 5 Tons to Deuce and Halfs to a working Command RV. But he loved his Humvees and Hummers the best.. He had back up equipment, to the back up equipment he used or thought would be needed. He even helped his sons’ Boy Scout Troop by giving each member military camping gear for their trips. Jim loved helping his children with the 4-H Program in Crown Point. He loved spending his vacations at Lake County Fairs. He cherished all of God’s creatures. He was the first in Whiting to collect farm animals in the backyard legally. He taught his goats and cats to gingerly touch foreheads with his as a way to say “Hi”, or “I love you.” He was continuously working on a project of some kind. The last finished project was a Schwinn bike for his grandson to enjoy. His life’s work has been to make sure his family and friends were well looked after, he will fondly be remembered and missed. 

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