James J. Pesdan

JAMES J. PESDAN age 84 of Merrillville passed away Friday June 4 2010. Survived by two daughters: Marsha (Steve)Tokarski of Crown Point Cheryl (Chris) Dalrymple of Louisiana 2 grandsons: David & Christopher Tokarski and sister Elaine Kwilasz of Merrillville. Preceded in death by wife Lillian parents James & Monica and brothers Edwin & Herbert. Born on July 27 1925 to parents James and Monica Pesdan Jim was the youngest of three brothers and one sister. He attended St. Hedwigs Elementary School in Gary and in 1943 he graduated from Gary Emerson High School. America was in the midst of World War II and upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served with the Fifth Marine Division which saw action in the Battle of Iwo Jima. The Battle of Iwo Jima cost American forces to suffer 25038 casualties with 6821 killed in action. The number of American casualties was greater than the total allied casualties on D-Day in Normandy. Jim witnessed the American flag flying over Mount Suribacki that has become the iconic symbol of American resolve and determination. After the Japanese surrendered Jim set sail for Japan where he served in the Occupation of the Japanese Island of Kyushu. After his honorable discharge Jim returned home to Gary where he married his high school sweetheart Lillian Klazura. Jim and Lillian were blessed with two daughters Marsha and Cheryl and two grandsons David and Christopher. Jim worked as a tool and die designer for the Anderson (ANCO) Company for 42 years. He was also the manager and treasurer of the Anco Employees Federal Credit Union for many years. Jim and his wife were both active members of the Chopin Chorus of Gary and participated in its historic concert tour of Poland in 1973 and 1979. Since his return home from World War II Jim has been an active member of the Silver Bell Club. When there was a need for a financial secretary for the club he successfully fulfilled that office for ten years. He was recently awarded the Polish American Heritage Award for outstanding contributions and the promotion of Polish Heritage in professional educational civic or fraternal areas from the Silver Bells. In addition Jim was an active member of the Fifth Marine Division Association the American Legion Kociuszko Post #207 a charter member of the Dunes Leatherneck Marine Corps. League and a member of Knight of Columbus St. Thomas Council. Family and friends may call at Pruzin Brothers Funeral Service 6360 Broadway Merrillville on Monday from 2-8 P.M. with a Silver Bell service at 3:30 P.M. Legion service at 4:00 P.M. prayer service at 5:00 P.M. Funeral services will be held Tuesday June 8 2010 at 9:30 A.M. from Pruzin Brothers Chapel and 10:00 A.M. from Our Lady of Czestochowa Shrine (5755 Pennsylvania St. Merrillville) with Rev. Jozef Zuziak officiating. At rest Calumet Park Cemetery Merrillville.