On Tuesday, November 29th, at the age of 83 Harold Dean Stukas passed away surrounded by his family at his Lake Athens, Texas home.

Harold was born on May 30, 1939, to parents Robert E. Stukas and Opal Brown-Stukas in Sioux City, Iowa. A family moved landed them in California where in high school Harold was an Orange League MVP football recipient from Brea-Olinda Union High School. Upon high school graduation Harold and best friend Don Dennis (who later became his brother-in-law) decided to join the Marine Corp where he served his country for 4 years.

While still in the service Harold married Gail Jamison on December 20th, 1960. Harold and Gail spent the first 20 years of their married life in California where they raised two sons, Rob and Joel. In 1980 Harold, Gail and sons relocated to Texas.

Harold was an entrepreneur with a passion for running his own businesses; from real estate to catering in California, to the opening Jams Restaurant in Athens in 1981. Open for business for 27 years, Jams was a popular breakfast and lunch staple for many locals and high school students.

Known for his quick wit, infectious smile, and incredible story-telling skills, Harold loved to make others laugh and smile. His spare time was always about family and Harold could be found golfing, throwing horseshoes, or throwing a fishing line in Lake Athens with his sons, grandchildren, and then great grandchildren.

Harold is survived by his wife of almost 62 years Gail, sons Robert (Shelley) and Joel Stukas; grandchildren Jason (Courtney) Stukas, Andrew Stukas, Whitney Vasquez, Danyell Stukas, and Briana (Ryan) Spencer; great-grandchildren: Brock, Brant, Allie, and Lilly Stukas; Nathaniel Vasquez, and Tanner Lammons as well as several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Also surviving are siblings Loretta (Ed) Adams of Temple City, CA, Kay Dennis of Oceanside, CA., Sandy (Bill) Powers of Pierce City, MO., Larry McKenna of Red Bluff, CA., along with sisters-in-law Sharon Stukas of Amarillo, TX and Donna Sanchez of Athens, TX.

Harold was preceded in death by his father Robert Stukas, mother Opal Stukas -McKenna, brother Eugene Stukas and sister Ellie Thompson.

Visitation for family and friends will be held Saturday December 3, 2022 from 3-5 p.m. at Autry’s Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home.