James Ralph Kurka
Died: August 27th, 2023
Obituary
James Kurka Obituary
Loving husband, father, grandpa (Pop), and friend, James R. Kurka, passed away peacefully at his home and joined his Lord and Savior in Heaven on August 27, 2023.
He was born in Minneapolis and moved with his family to Anchorage in 1963. Jim attended East Anchorage High School and graduated from UA Fairbanks with a Bachelor in Education. During this time he was a member of the ROTC and after graduation joined the Army Reserves. He later attained Masters degrees in Administration and Counseling at the UA Anchorage campus.
Jim found his passion when becoming a principal. He loved working with families, teachers, and the children in his buildings. He continually strove to support students and teachers in being successful learners. Jim spent many summers teaching in the Anchorage School District Leadership Academies. With his wife, Diana, they led classes for administrators and teachers. After retiring he worked with staff at Wellspring Ministry in developing a leadership college for those interested in serving the Lord.
His love of travel took him to the islands of Hawaii. He spent many wonderful vacations there with family and friends. He even did a mission trip with Haggai International on the Island of Maui.
Jim was currently attending Muldoon Community Assembly. He was preceded in death by his Mother, Alice, and his father Ralph. He is survived by his wife: Diana Kurka; 3 children and their families: Jennifer Kurka; Stephen Kurka and Katya Kalachevskiy and grandchildren, Yarik and Vasilissa Kurka; David and Heather Kurka; Nicole Kimball and Dan Rathert and granddaughter, Brynn Rathert; his siblings: Dan and Lonniet Kurka; Kathleen (Kurka) Eustace; DaunMichelle (Kurka) and Steve Gregg; Kevin Kurka; and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Muldoon Community Assembly (MCA) on Saturday, Sept. 16 at 12:00 noon. A live stream may be viewed at https://mcaak.online.church
In lieu of flowers, remembrance donations may be sent to: The Salvation Army Relief efforts for the Island of Maui and the survivors of the Lahaina fire.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James, please visit our floral store.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
James Ralph Kurka
Born:
Not Specified
Passed Away:
August 27th, 2023
Obituary
James Kurka Obituary
Loving husband, father, grandpa (Pop), and friend, James R. Kurka, passed away peacefully at his home and joined his Lord and Savior in Heaven on August 27, 2023.
He was born in Minneapolis and moved with his family to Anchorage in 1963. Jim attended East Anchorage High School and graduated from UA Fairbanks with a Bachelor in Education. During this time he was a member of the ROTC and after graduation joined the Army Reserves. He later attained Masters degrees in Administration and Counseling at the UA Anchorage campus.
Jim found his passion when becoming a principal. He loved working with families, teachers, and the children in his buildings. He continually strove to support students and teachers in being successful learners. Jim spent many summers teaching in the Anchorage School District Leadership Academies. With his wife, Diana, they led classes for administrators and teachers. After retiring he worked with staff at Wellspring Ministry in developing a leadership college for those interested in serving the Lord.
His love of travel took him to the islands of Hawaii. He spent many wonderful vacations there with family and friends. He even did a mission trip with Haggai International on the Island of Maui.
Jim was currently attending Muldoon Community Assembly. He was preceded in death by his Mother, Alice, and his father Ralph. He is survived by his wife: Diana Kurka; 3 children and their families: Jennifer Kurka; Stephen Kurka and Katya Kalachevskiy and grandchildren, Yarik and Vasilissa Kurka; David and Heather Kurka; Nicole Kimball and Dan Rathert and granddaughter, Brynn Rathert; his siblings: Dan and Lonniet Kurka; Kathleen (Kurka) Eustace; DaunMichelle (Kurka) and Steve Gregg; Kevin Kurka; and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Muldoon Community Assembly (MCA) on Saturday, Sept. 16 at 12:00 noon. A live stream may be viewed at https://mcaak.online.church
In lieu of flowers, remembrance donations may be sent to: The Salvation Army Relief efforts for the Island of Maui and the survivors of the Lahaina fire.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James, please visit our floral store.
Cemetery and Burial Information
Angelus Memorial Park
440 E Klatt Rd
Anchorage, AK 99515
Phone: (907) 344-1311
