Jim Miskovich, 97, of Munster, Indiana, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on the 25th of May surrounded by his family’s love. He is reunited in death with his wife of 68 years, Ann.
In partnership and love, Jim and Ann raised and cherished four children: Jim (Karen), Lynn, Nancy, and Tom (Sue). He made it clear, in millions of big and small ways, his children were deeply loved.
He was a steady, loving force who showed up without fail for his grandchildren, Cassie (Joey) Marburger; Jeffrey Miskovich; Tommy (Brooke) and Danny (Mackenzie) Paschen; and Ross Miskovich, and ensured they ate all their vegetables and could competently shoot a free throw. He was in the driver’s seat heading to their practices, meets and rehearsals, and in the bleachers at every game, meet or performance.
He seldom missed watching the White Sox, Purdue or Notre Dame, and spent many Sundays understandably frustrated with the Bears.
His advice to his children and grandchildren was often at the intersection of life and sports: You can’t wait for the ball—you have to go get it.
Jim grew up in East Chicago Harbor and attended Washington High School before enlisting in the Navy during World War II and serving as a corpsman during the Korean War.
His decades-long insistence his time in the Navy was spent playing basketball and baseball—winning the Far Eastern softball league championship in Japan—was upstaged by the discovery of a Navy Unit Commendation letter for meritorious service from his time serving at the Naval Hospital in Yokosuka, Japan, after his unit treated more than 5,000 Marines out of a 100-bed dispensary following the Battle of Chosin Reservoir.
Jim and Ann, both Slovak-Americans, traveled frequently. During the height of the Cold War they tried to enter the Communist Block to visit relatives in Czechoslovakia when a language barrier with border officials escalated a minor issue into something just shy of an international incident. After Jim managed to reassure the Border Guard Commandant they were just tourists – tourists without bombs in the trunk – the two men continued talking, finding many things in common and proving Jim and Ann could make friends anywhere. As the commandant eventually waved them through the checkpoint, he asked Jim to “tell Jimmy Carter hi.”
He retired as one of the top Technical Research Associates from Standard Oil/BP Amoco in Naperville and held patents for his innovative work.
An avid bowler, belonging to many leagues in the region, Jim achieved a perfect 300 game twice.
Jim loved being outdoors. He and Ann often took their children on camping and fishing trips, and at home he spent hours tending to his garden. From gorgeous tomatoes and herbs to peppers and peach trees, his green thumb ensured anything he planted flourished. Summers were spent with kitchen counters piled high and Jim, whistling, adding more until Ann whisked them away for salsas or stuffed peppers. He meticulously mowed his lawn on his own until he was 94, to the exasperation of his children. He spent several years sending away lawn services they attempted to provide.
As a faithful member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Jim lived and shared his deep love and devotion to God, and appreciated the many blessings He bestowed to him and his family.
He is preceded in death by his wife; parents, Jim and Elizabeth; brothers; sisters; and Jeff Paschen. He is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-granddaughters Stella and Everly, and many special nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation will be on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 from 4:00-8:00 pm with a prayer service at 4:30 pm at Kish Funeral Home, 10000 Calumet Ave. Munster, IN and on Wednesday from 9:30-10:00 am at the church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 10:00 am at St. Thomas More Church, 8501 Calumet Ave. Munster, IN. Interment will be at St. John-St. Joseph Cemetery, Hammond, IN. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s name may be sent to the Manna for Hammond Soup Kitchen at St. Joseph’s Church in Hammond.
May the peace of our Lord be with him for eternity.
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