James R. Pudlas

James R. Pudlas, 77, of Freeport, IL passed away Wednesday July 21, 2021 at FHN Memorial Hospital. He was born October 11, 1943 in Bloomington, IL to John and Gertrude (Orth) Pudlas. On April 4, 1964 he married Karen Wehde in Polo, IL. Jim graduated from Forreston High School in 1961. He proudly served in the United States Army as a combat medic from 1968-1970. He served one tour in Vietnam and earned a Purple Heart and Bronze Star. One of his bucket list items was a trip to Washington D.C. on Honor Flight in 2014. He worked at Kysor in Byron and finally Bergstrom in Rockford as the company was purchased over the many years he worked there before his retirement. He later worked for J BAR A/C Inc. in Ohio as a sales consultant. Jim also ran a craft business with his wife named Karen's Krafts. He is survived by his daughter Tina Pudlas; three brothers Jerry (Marian) Pudlas, Jack (Kim) Pudlas, and Paul Pudlas; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding Jim in death are his parents, wife, sister Donna Hundertmark and sister-in-law Carol Pudlas. Jim did not wish to have services. Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. Please sign Mr. Pudlas' guestbook and share a memory at www.burketubbs.com