James Stephen Bozik passed away on Friday, July 20, 2012, after a brave battle against cancer, with his family around him.

He was born in Valparaiso, Ind., on February 9, 1935, to the late Joseph and Bertha (nee Miller) Bozik.

He married Dorothy Demnisky on September 30, 1961. Together they raised their children, Cindy, Linda, and Scott. Jim will be remembered by his family as great father and husband.

He is survived by his wife, children, son-in-law Raul Zendejas, granddaughter Robin, sister Mary Ellen (Robert) Randall, of Valparaiso, Ind., and brother Joseph (Joan) Bozik, Jr., of Florida.

He lived his entire life in Valparaiso, surrounded by the family, friends and the community he loved. He graduated from Valparaiso High School and earned his undergraduate degree at Valparaiso University. He later earned his law degree at Chicago Kent College of Law.

Jim practiced law for fifty-two years in northwest Indiana and was one of the founding partners of Blachly, Tabor, Bozik and Hartman, LLC. The focus of his law practice was estate planning and probate administration. He loved his work and the opportunities it provided to help others during difficult and emotional times in their lives. He felt honored to be a part of the legal community, and strived to embody commitment, honesty and professional courtesy.

His Valparaiso community activities included Boy Scouts, charities, and faith-based initiatives. He was a lifelong member of St. Paul Catholic Church, and active within St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church as well.

Jim was an avid golfer, aviator and fisherman. The canine members of his family were one of his greatest joys.

Although his illness was painfully difficult, Jim and his family found solace and joy in the love and kindness showered upon him throughout his life and his final days.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 3, 2012 at St. Paul Catholic Church, 1855 W. Harrison Blvd., Valparaiso, Ind., with Rev. Joseph Pawlowski, Presider and Rev. Kevin McCarthy, Con-Celebrant.

Friends may meet with the family on Thursday, August 2, 2012 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Dykes Funeral Home, 2305 N. Campbell St., Valparaiso, Ind.

In lieu of flowers, Jim's family asks that donations be made in his memory to Café Manna (food assistance program) at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church, 1511 LaPorte Ave., Valparaiso, IN, 46383, or the Andre House of Arizona (homeless care and assistance) c/o Father Eric Schimmel, C.S.C., P.O. Box 2014, Phoenix, AZ 85001.

Arrangements are being handled by Dykes Funeral Home, Inc. (219) 462-3125.