James E. Duffala Sr. "Duffy"

age 91, of Hammond, passed away Wednesday, August 24, 2016. James is survived by his loving wife of 65 years Margaret (nee Simmons); children: James (Dorothy) Duffala Jr., Jacqueline (James) Landfald, Michael Duffala, Michele (Chris) Curtis and Lisa (John) Willman; daughter-in-law Cheryl Duffala; 15 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents John and Katherine (nee Odlivak), son David, siblings: Emil (Ruby nee Ready) Duffala, David (Sue) Duffala, Helen(Louie) Burk and Katherine (George) Ball.

Jim proudly served his country in the U.S. Army and was one of the first draftees from Lake County to serve in the States during the Korean Conflict. He retired from Amoco after 41 years of service working in the Barrelhouse. In his youth Jim played Minor League Baseball and was an avid Cubs fan. For over 20 years Jim refereed basketball at the high school and small college level. Jim was an avid golfer for 62 years and made his first hole-in-one at the age of 81. We're sure he has a standing tee time, with all of his golfing buddies waiting for him, in Heaven. Jim was a lifetime member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish. Jim and Margaret are "Snowbirds" so he loved to escape Indiana winters to spend time with her at their condo in Arizona. Jim was an active, vibrant man who could still do a full running front flip in the backyard on his 60th birthday! Our loving husband, father and grandfather has gone to rest and we are proud of him and will miss him dearly.

Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, August 28, 2016 from 2:00-6:00 PM at the Solan Pruzin Funeral Home & Crematory 14 Kennedy Ave Schererville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, August 29, 2016 at 11:00 AM DIRECTLY at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church 7132 Arizona Ave Hammond. Jim will be laid to rest at Calumet Park Cemetery Merrillville immediately following funeral services.