James Benjamin Churko

James Benjamin Churko 3/27/46 - 10/13/15

It is with the deepest sadness imaginable that we acknowledge the passing of one of the finest individuals to ever walk this earth. Jim was loved, admired and respected by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. His courage, humor and strength throughout his brief illness were unparalleled. He often said, Were all on the same conveyor belt"some of us just arrive at the warehouse sooner than others. Jim had a gratitude list that could have filled volumes, but number one on that list was 34 years of sobriety through the grace of God and Alcoholics Anonymous.
Jim was born in Cleveland, Ohio where he spent the first 50 years of his life. His plan was to spend the next 50 in Sedona, Arizona. He retired after a 25-year career with the Cleveland Police Department in 1995, and moved to Sedona in 1996. He was also a Navy veteran, and held a deep and abiding love for our military.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Diane, mother-in-law, Rita Daubner, daughters, Deanna and Marianne, step children, Annette and Frank Popovich, sisters Nancy Dinardis (Dominic), Carol Miller (Mike), five grandchildren, many beloved nieces and nephews, dear friends too numerous to mention, and his best buddy, Toonces the driving cat. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Benjamin and Jeanette and eldest sister, Sandy Schlosser.
A celebration of Jims life will be held in both Sedona and Cleveland at a later date.