James Kudika, 72, was born in Butler on May 13, 1940, and passed away Dec. 25, 2012, in Melbourne, Fla.

James served his country in the U.S. Navy and was most known for his quiet, but to the point demeanor. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be missed by his family.

He is survived by his loving wife, Darlene; his son, James; daughters, Lisa, Anita and Beverly; six grandchildren, RueDee, Lucy, Matthew, Alisha, Vincent and Teagan; and sisters, Marlene (Pete) Zulick, Louise (Jim) Procter, Cecilia (Rich) Angert and Marion (John) O'Neil. James adored his sons-in-law, Paul, Manny and Dave, as he did his daughter-in-law, Jeanette.

KUDIKA — James Kudika passed away Tuesday, Dec. 25, 2012. Calling hours will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday with U.S. Navy military honors at 5 p.m. at rownlie-Maxwell Funeral Home in Melbourne.