John James Luka

John James Luka was born to Joseph and Catherine Luka on April 17, 1945 in Little Rock, Arkansas along with his younger sister Rita. The family of four lived in a polish community rich with culture and heritage He attended Harrison Technical High School and was often scolded for pantomiming the nuns to make the other kids laugh. He was a master at diffusing awkward moments with humor to ease a situation. This skill was one on the hallmarks of his character and he carried it throughout his life. He married his High School sweetheart Mary and that same year he joined the Navy. Nine months later his son James was born while he served overseas in Viet Nam. He worked on the ship communication systems as a midshipmen on the USS Carter Hall and the USS Princeton. They had two more children after they moved to West Chicago and worked at Western Electric as his father did before him. In 1991 he lost his first wife and courageously raised three children as a single parent. After completing his bachelors and Masters degrees, he took a position in Colorado to make a new start for himself and his children. In 2001 he found love again with his sweetheart Laurie Luka, to whom he deeply loved and cherished with all his heart. Together John and Laurie welcomed five grandchildren into their lives who brought them much joy and laughter. He continued his lifelong passion for motorcycles traveling across country and throughout the Colorado Mountains bringing him great happiness and a sense of peace. Among his many notable accomplishments was his advocacy of the Malcolm Baldridge Award, a nationally recognized award for outstanding quality excellence in customer service and a victim advocate for the Boulder Police Dept. John's work as a lead auditor provided him the opportunity to travel throughout the United States as well as other countries. He was patriotic man of great of great integrity with an infectious laugh and gift for befriending anyone who had the great fortune to cross his path. He will be greatly missed by all but forgotten by none. God speed John Luka, beloved Husband, Father, and friend. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the John J Luka Memorial Fund at any local US Bank. A Rosary will be held Sunday, December 8, 2013, 6:00 PM at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 7577 West 80th Avenue, Arvada, Colorado 80003. Funeral Mass will be held Monday, December 9, 2013, 10:30 AM at Spirit of Christ Catholic Community, 7400 West 80th Avenue, Arvada, Colorado 80003, with a Reception to follow. Interment to follow at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Staging Area ""A,"" 3698 South Sheridan Boulevard, Denver, Colorado at 2:00 PM. Please share your memories of John and condolences with his family by signing the guestbook below.