James “Jim” Kutch Jr., of East McKeesport, passed away on June 5, 2026, at the age of 54. Born on August 11, 1971, Jim was a lifelong member of the East McKeesport community and a proud graduate of Pittsburgh Central Catholic High School, earned his associate’s degree from CCAC, and was a Graduate of the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science. Jim was also a member of the Allegheny County and Pennsylvania Funeral Directors Association.
Jim devoted 32 years of his life to serving families as a funeral director and was the proud owner and operator of the James F. Kutch Funeral Home & Crematory, a respected family business that recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. He approached his work with compassion, dignity, and deep care for the families and community he served.
Jim will be remembered for his warm spirit, his dedication to his community, and the many passions that brought him joy throughout his life. He grew up playing baseball and hockey and remained an enthusiastic sports fan. He was also a lifelong follower of WWE wrestling and a dedicated motorsports fan, enjoying NASCAR for many years and, more recently, Formula 1.
A man who valued service and connection, Jim was active in the community and generously volunteered his time with the St. Robert’s Men’s Club and various other local programs. He was known for his willingness to help others and for the steady presence he offered to those around him, demonstrated by his 10+ years of involvement with the local AA program.
Jim Jr. was the first child of Jim and Linda Kutch and is survived by his father, Jim Kutch Sr.; his sister, Rachel Kutch-Lokay; his brother-in-law, George Lokay; his niece, Sydney Lokay: and Aunts Susan (Al) Wagner, Linda (Wayne) Boyle, JoAnn (Dave) Puz, Uncle Joe Kutch (Leah) and Uncle Howard (Bonnie) Rittko. He also leaves behind his beloved dogs, Buddy and Ace, who brought him great companionship and joy.
Jim’s memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched through his kindness, his professionalism, and his unwavering commitment to his community.
Arrangements
Visitation will be on Tuesday, June 9, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. at . . .
James F. Kutch Funeral Homes & Crematory
433 Lincoln Highway
East McKeesport, PA 15035
(412) 823-4054
Special thanks to the Nied’s Funeral Home in Swissvale for all of their help.
Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, June 10th at 10 a.m. at Mary Mother of God Parish St. Angela Merici Church, 2701 Kelly St., White Oak, PA 15131 with entombment at New St. Joseph Mausoleum. Friends and family, please assemble/meet at the church.
Please leave condolences below.
68 Comments
My heart sank when I heard of your passing. It’s so hard to wrap my head around this. You always wore a smile and had an extended hand. You will truly be missed.
I’m heartbroken. I’ve known Jimmy since I was 5 years old in Kindergarten. He was my first boyfriend and forever friend. I will miss him dearly!
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Our deepest sympathy and prayers to the family.
Jimmy was a dear friend for years, we are heartbroken at his passing… you couldn’t find a more kind and wonderful person and friend. Jimmy you will be missed by so many that knew and loved you… Rest easy my friend in the arms of our almighty god.. our condolences to the Kutch family we are so very sorry for your loss…🙏🏻
Jim was an awesome guy! Truly loved his animals and his family, never caught him not speaking about them during every interaction. May his soul rest in eternal peace🕊️
Our deepest sympathy to Jim Sr and Rachel and the entire Kutch family Jim Jr was a fantastic person and may his memory be eternal. Jeanne and Jim Zajac and Zoe Mehalik
Dear Kutch Family especially Jim Sr. and Rachel,
So sorry to hear about the passing of James Jr. I will always remember him as a great student at Central Catholic HS and his help with family members funerals along with Jim Sr. Such a sad loss at such a young age. He will be greatly missed by the community and members of St. Michael’s Church in Rankin.
Eternal Memories!
Dave & Suzanne Bodrog
I’m so sorry. This is a shock. My condolences to the Kutch family
Big Jim and the rest of the kutch family I am so sorry for your loss Jimmy was one of the kindest people I knew I was proud to call him my friend. God Bless🙏🙏🙏
So sorry to hear of this great loss. Jimmy was such a sweet soul and will be missed. Rachel, please except my condolences to you and your family. I know in my heart your mom was waiting at the gate to welcome him home.
A true gentleman. You will be missed by so many. You gave of yourself to help others in their time of need and sorrow.
Rest in peace my friend.
My deepest sympathies to the Kutch family Jim was a dear sweet man & will be truly missed
Mr. Kutch Sr. buried my grandmother far too many years ago. That started a lifelong connection btwn our families, culimnating in Jimmy burying my mother. Jimmy & I also attended Central Catholic together, and we became close friends (who, sadly, lost touch over the years as life played out). Jimmy’s (and larger Kutch family’s) dedication to serving people in difficult times, and his kindness to me, will always be remembered. GodSpeed, Jimmy.
Jim kutch is my first cousin and he and jimmy served us well during the loss of many family members. Jimmy was always very helpful and had a magical smile. So sorry for the World. He will be missed.
I have known Jimmy for years and he was the kindest caring person I know as a friend. We were in the process of making our arrangements with him and we would sit and talk for hours .. mostly his babies ace and buddy who he loved dearly. I still can’t process this , it’s heartbreaking.. sending our condolences to the Kutch family and all that had the honor or knowing Jimmy .. Rest easy my friend in the arms of our almighty god.. until we meet again… you will be missed🙏🏻
Jim I gonna miss your warm hugs and smiles and your laughter when I came I then room you brought the smile out of smile you are a true angel my friend forever in my he5
My deepest sympathy for your loss
My condolences to all those who knew and loved Jim. I’ve known Jim for several years and will remember him as a “bubbly ” spirited person.
R.I.P. Jim.
Thanks for the days you shined your light for us.
God bless to the family and friends.
Jimmy I will miss you so very much. You made me feel so welcome and a part of when I desperately needed exactly that.i will miss pizza at the mill with you and playing with your dogs. You were and will always be my friend. My deepest sympathy to your family.
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Will miss he posts of Buddy and Ace. May he rest in eternal peace! My condolences to his family. 🙏💔
So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Will miss his posts of Buddy and Ace. May he rest in eternal peace! My condolences to his family. 🙏💔
Such a huge loss He helped my wife with the loss of her son a few yrs ago RIP
Rip Jim I’m in shock and very sad you were such an incredible person and the nicest man I’ve ever known im gonna miss talking to you about wwe may you rest in internal peace my condolences to your family many prayers to everyone 🙏 ❤️ 😢
I am sorry to hear about Jim. He took care of my sister when she passed away. He also took good care of her family.he was a very kind man. He is going to be missed . my deepest sympathy to his family.
I was heartbroken and shocked to hear about Jim. He was kind and always smiled. He loved his dogs and family. I loved running into him while shopping. He will always be a healthy and happy young man in my memory.
Jimmy, so sorry for your loss.
My deepest sympathy and thoughts and prayers to you and the family.
We are heartbroken on the loss of Jim. We knew him as a true gentleman and a dedicated servant to the community. Jim was a member of Mary, Mother of God Parish and a former member of its Pastoral Council where he provided valuable insight and a special positive perspective on the issues discussed. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Rest in Peace, Jim.
So sad, I always liked him God Bless Love you too Mr. Kutch
Sympathy/prayers to a wonderful man!
deacon joe dougherty
Jim was a great guy, lot of fun, working with him at the Festival, my thoughts and prayers go out to his father and sister, I will miss him,
My deepest condolences for the Kutch family may Jimmy rest in peace 🙏
Jimmy you will be missed💔Iremember the good ole dayswhenweraninto each other in giant eagle and just talk you will be missed say hi to my brother Ed❤️
I am so very sorry for your loss.
You have my deepest sympathy. Jim wa s kknf man and I’m glad. I met him.
We are shocked and saddened to learn of Jimmy’s passing. He was always so kind to our whole family. Our deepest sympathies for your family as you go through this heartbreaking time.
My sincere condolences to the entire Kutch family. Thank you Jim for your kind heart and understanding on the worst days of my life. Truly a special man whose compassion had no bounds. Nice to stop on occasions to chat and see Buddy and Ace. Nothing in this world is ever lost. Those we love will always live in our memories.
With love and prayers
Rachel, I’m so so sorry. I can see your mom’s big smile welcoming him. You and your dad are in my prayers 🙏🏻❤️
So very sad for the loss of Jimmy! He was a Great Guy. I was his stylist, some time ago . Rest Easy easy my friend 🌹
I am in utter shock. I am so sorry to hear this. All my love to Rachel.❤️
So sorry for your loss
Our deepest sympathy to the family.
I am sorry to hear the loss of Jimmy! He was a very nice person! My thoughts and prayers are with the family
Jim, so sorry for you loss.
My deepest sympathies to the Kutch family. Jimmy was a great guy and will be missed by many.
Jimmy was kind, caring and a gentle soul. I’ll miss his quick wit and compassion. Warm thoughts and prayers to the Kutch family.
Deepest sympathies to the Kutch Family, our hearts are broken for all of you. Jimmy, we are devastated, we have shared so many dinners, talks & fun times these last several years. We are SO grateful for all those moments and blessed to have listened to your endless chatter about the family, especially Syd, Ace & Buddy & all the joy they brought to your life. Our only solace is you are able to be with your Mom who you missed so. Rest in Peace my Friend. I love you ♥️
Buddy & Ace will surely miss you Jimmy! Your demons have been silenced. Fly free🪽🪽🪽 love and miss you my friend💔
Deepest sympathy to Jim, Sr., Rachel, and family. Was absolutely shocked to hear about this. Jimmy was a super guy and a real gentleman. Will be missed by all who knew him Prayers to the family. 🙏
Jim, Rachel and family,
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of Jimmy. He was such a kind, gentle guy who showed so much empathy for others at his job. May he rest in peace.
Al and Mila Senic and Family and Thelma Supak
Deepest sympathy to the Kutch family. Jim Jr always took great care of us whenever we needed it. We will miss playing with his dogs and talking to Jim Jr about anything and everything.
So sorry for your loss. We really liked Jr. May God give you comfort.
Deepest sympathy to Jim Sr, Rachel and family. I remember him while teaching at Central Catholic watching him grow to be a productive man of faith, scholarship and service. Thanks also for taking care of many family members funeral arrangements. May you rest in peace.my friend. Eternal memories!
Dave And Sue Bodrog
Crying as Im reading this. We are so sorry for your loss. You have our deepest sympathy! Jimmy was such a kind and friendly kid. Always a smile on his face! A staple to st Robert’s and a good friend to our son Rob! My heart is broken. I can only imagine yours. My God bless you and comfort you . May he rest in peace .
My heartfelt condolences to the family. May you find comfort in each other.
R.I.P. pal you are the best. The lord has called you home.
Sending condolences to Rachel and Jim he was a wonderful person. Rip
My deepest condolences to the family. I will miss your posts about Bud and Ace. RIP Jim 🙏
Sending sympathies to his family, he was a great guy, We played hockey together and was always very respectful to all. He and Mr Kutch Sr did over and above when my Jamie passed.I send strength to Rachel, George,Sydney, Mr Kutch on your loss. May the lord be with you and shine healing upon you. RIP my friend always.
I am completely shocked by Jim’s passing. He just assisted my family with the passing of my Mom in May. He was very kind and very helpful, he even let us meet his two dogs. My deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Rest in peace Jim.
Jim and Family, I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers as you navigate this most difficult loss. Jim Jr was a really nice person and I know that he made you extremely proud following in your footsteps. May he rest in God’s arms and may God watch over you and your family.
God bless you Jim. You did more for me than you will ever known. I was heart broken when I heard of your passing. You will always be my friend.
I am so sorry and shocked to hear of Jimmy’s passing. He was a great guy with a sweet personality. My thoughts and prayers are with the Kutch family as you go through this difficult time. May his memory be forever a blessing.
We have known the Kutch family for a very long time and we are very saddened at the sudden passing of James Jr
We extend our deepest sympathy and prayers to the family.
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of James Kutch Jr. We meant you, your sister and your dad at the closing day for purchasing 107 4th Avenue from your family. You and your family gave us our opportunity and we will always be grateful for everything that you have done for us. Please let us know if you need anything.
Jimmy was a great classmate at Pittsburgh Central Catholic. His humor and positive attitude lit up the room. Rest in peace Viking….save a seat for us and we will walk the Quad together then.
Jimmy was a true Viking from the class of 1989….
Will be praying for strength to the entire Kutch Family…. So very sorry to hear of this horrific news.
God Bless….. Jon Amodeo
There aren’t enough words to say how much Jim will be missed but he left behind a wonderful legacy and memories that his family and friends will hold onto forever. Rest Easy. Prayers to the family!
I love you so much Jimmy Kutch…. 50 pds.
Give Mommy a great big hug & kiss from me. I find Peace in knowing you two are together. I will forever miss you my Best Friend 💔
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