James Sulentic
March 25, 2011
James “Tuff” Sulentic, 59, died Friday, March 25, 2011. He was born July 1, 1951 to Frank and Mary Sulentic in Albia. Per his wishes, his body has been cremated.
Tuff was a member of Christ the King Catholic church and retired as a custodian from Clive Elementary. He spent many hours working with his scroll-saw and making things for his friends and family. He enjoyed talking to people and telling tales.
Tuff is survived by his wife of 32 years, Brenda; sons, Thomas and Matthew; sisters, Linda (George) Nicoletto, Kris (Dan) Jurgensen, and Mary Ann (Rich) Seals; brother, Tony Sulentic; nephews, Mike Nicoletto, T.J. (Karen) Nicoletto, and Patrick (Jessica) Jurgensen; nieces, Katy Jurgensen and Samantha Seals; one great-niece; four great-nephews; and a host of other family and beloved friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Frank Jr. and Patrick; and sisters, Martha and Patricia.
A Memorial Mass will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 29, 2011, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5711 SW 9th Street. A memorial visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, March 28, 2011 at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street, with a rosary at 7 p.m.
Memorial contributions will be received by the family in Tuff’s loving memory.
Online condolences may be made to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Kathy (Stoker) Zimmerle
03/30/2011
Brenda... Betty T has kept me up to date over the years... I was so sad to see Tuff's obituary..please know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Moom and Jane
03/30/2011
Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
It is so sad to loose such a wonderful person so soon.
We have many wonderful memories of fun times with Tuff and Dan and Kris.
Sincerely
Moon and Jane Mullins
Elaine Kauzlarich DeClerck
03/29/2011
Brenda, Thomas and Matthew,
We were so sorry to hear of Jimmy's passing. Our sympathies go out to all of you. I have very fond memories of us growing up together, the family farm in Albia. Your husband and dad was a great guy....very fun loving and very proud of his family. So sorry that we could not be there for visitation and service as we are out of town. Our love to all of you for your great loss.
Love,
Elaine and Bob DeClerck
Sally Ripperger See
03/29/2011
My prayers and sympathy go out to Jim (Tuff's) family and his children. May you rest in peace. Farewell to a very good friend of mine.
Jessica Stille
03/29/2011
I was very fortunate to work with Jim at Clive Elementary my first two years of teaching. I will never forget the conversations and jokes we (the basement crew) would all have at the end of the school day with Jim. He was such a kind, funny, and generous man. I remember when my friend Jackie Panos (then Jackie Manderfield) was anxious to get married to her boyfriend at the time. Jim took the time to make a beautiful wood piece for her because he was so sure she would get engagged within the year. He was so excited to give it to her before he left. He took me aside and showed me it before he gave it to her. He loved doing things for other people. I will always remember him as being such a kind, selfless, and generous person who would do just about anything for the people he loved.
wayne (pillsy} Steele
03/28/2011
My thought and prayers go out to tuffs family , I know he will be missed by l his family and all who knew him. I hadn't seen Tuff in several years . but we had some good times back in high school and I will remember him always.He was a great friend and always brought a smile to the faces of everyone who met him
rest in Peace "Tuff" Wayne (pillsy) Steele Class Of "70"
Bev Boyd
03/28/2011
Brenda, Tommie, Matthew...and the rest of the extended Sulentic family. One thing I saw since watching your marriage in Albia, being blessed with Tommie and Matthew, and watching your family mature, was how proud and gracious Tuff was of his family. He shared his sense of humor and his compassion with those of us who were fortunate to have known him. Someone like Tuff comes along only once in a lifetime.
You are left with wonderful memories of many happy days. You have many friends who are here to share your days that lie ahead. Please call on us.
Bev Boyd
Rhonda Gray Mitrisin
03/28/2011
My deepest sympathy to Brenda, Thomas, Matthew, and the entire Sulentic family. I am a former classmate of "Tuffs'" and friend during our schol years together. Some people are forgotten after 40 years, but I will always remember Tuff as sweet, genuine, and loyal friend. May peace be with you all. Rhonda Gray Mitrisin, Brooksville, FL
Deb (Seals) McCauley
03/28/2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Sulentic family. Tuff is home now.
Doug and Deb McCauley
Peggy Ostrander
03/28/2011
Jim was always willing to help someone when he was at Clive. This was demonstrated in one of his last days at Clive Elementary. A student had forgotten a book in his desk and a parent called me to see if there was any way they could get it. With Jim on the phone he was able to locate the student's desk and retrieve the book. The parent went to Clive and Jim was there with the book in his hand. This is just one of many examples that showed Jim's willingness to go above and beyond what was expected of him. He was truly a caring person. I was blessed to be a receipent of his kindness. May his memories give you peace in the days ahead.
Dick and Jean DeLille
03/28/2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this time of sorrow. I remember Jimmy growing up, always happy and smiling. We lost touch as we grew up but seeing him in this picture it seems.he didn't change. I'm sure he will be missed but his presence will always be felt in your heart.I can see my Aunt Mary hugging the heck out of him. You'll have both of them watching over you. God bless.
Jimmy 's cousin
Jean DeLille
Pete Kauzlarich
03/28/2011
Our deepest sympathies to the Sulentic family in the loss of Jimmie. I have fond memories of Jimmie as always being an upbeat friendly guy. He was always fun to be around and always made you feel comfortable. He will be greatly missed by all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sue Jones & family
03/28/2011
Brenda, Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers now. We know how hard Tuff, and all of you, fought these past 2 years. He's now resting and watching over all of you. We're here for you for anything you need.
Carol Reichardt Kester
03/27/2011
Brenda and Family,
My Thoughts and Prayers are with Your Family.
Love,
Carol
Robert E. Lee
03/27/2011
Tuff was a friend from High School. My prayers are for the strength
for his family thru these trying time. Jimmy (TUFF)Sulentic will be miss.
May we all remember how he live. RIP my old friend. We will see you in heaven.