James Philip “Jimmy” Polarek, 22 of Morgan Township, passed away Sunday, September 1, 2024. He was born June 30, 2002, in Crown Point, the beloved son of James and Phyllis (Comerford) Polarek. Jimmy graduated from Morgan Township High School in 2021. He was a 10-year 4-H Member in the Beef Project and an Eagle Scout in Troop 907. Jimmy was currently working as a heavy equipment operator with the IUOE Local 150, and served as a firefighter with the Morgan Township Volunteer Fire Department. He was also a member of Porter County Young Farmers, and St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Kouts, where he had served as an altar boy for many years. Jimmy’s love of farming inspired him to raise and breed JPP Registered Herefords, and help out many local farmers with their workload. When he wasn’t farming, Jimmy enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. Jimmy had a penchant for helping others, and continues to do so as an organ donor. He loved to spend time with his family, who will miss his big bear hugs, and unforgettable personality. Jimmy will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by all who knew him.
Jimmy is survived by his parents, Jim and Phyllis Polarek; aunts and uncles: Robert (Cheryl) Polarek, Judy Candiano, Patrick (Debbie) Comerford, Mary Jane (David) Lahr, and Kathy (Rick) Klimek; many loving cousins, friends, and a brotherhood of firefighters. He was preceded in death by his grandparents: James and Sarah Polarek, and Philip and Catherine Comerford.
A visitation will be held on Monday, September 9, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Porter County Expo Center, 215 E. Division Rd., Valparaiso, with a firefighter ceremony beginning at 6:30 p.m. A funeral mass will begin on Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 402 E. Indiana Ave., Kouts, with burial to follow at Adams Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Morgan Township Fire Department or Hope’s Harbor, Ft. Wayne, IN. Click here to watch the recorded Funeral Mass, Procession and Graveside Service.
GUESTBOOK
Words can't describe how sad I am for the light that has gone out and the empty space left behind. My heart goes out to you. So many lives have been touched by his goodness. I'm so sorry that the world will never know the full potential of the kindness and joy that Jimmy had to offer and I'm sorry for the unfathomable grief that you must bear. I hope you are finding some comfort in the warm memories and the outpouring from the community who loved him, too. He will be deeply missed. -Laura Gaskins
My heart is broken for the pain that you are going through. May God bless you both and hold you in his arms may you fine peace. Love, -Judy Cushman DuBose
So sorry for your loss. Sounds like he was a wonderful young man. His grandma Sarah was flower girl for my parents wedding (Frank and Gloria Bender). My father Frank was his great grandma Mary’s brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. -Cathy (Bender) Grambo
I pretty much grew up with Jimmy. He was always so nice to me and my younger brother, and we looked forward to visiting him whenever it was possible on trips back to Indiana. His passion and commitment to the community and his hobbies are admirable to say the very least. To the family, I am deeply sorry for your loss. Let the love and great memories he brought to this earth be something to carry you through this extremely difficult time, and I'll be keeping Jimmy in my heart because he's someone I'll never forget. Sending lots of love from Seattle and my family, -Michael Sheeran
I have no words to express the loss of Jimmy. He was one of a kind. I have so many memories of him from his school era and a few after. He will be deeply missed. My heart goes out to you Jim and Phyllis. -Annette Davis
Our sincere condolences to you in the loss of your Son. Prayers for healing for you both and your entire family. -Karen Devitt Meinert
My deepest sympathy to Jimmy’s parents. May your memories of your son help you find peace and aid in your healing. -Margaret Russell
Phyllis, Jim, Mary Jane, Judy, Patrick, Kathy and family, I am so very sorry to hear about Jimmy. Words cannot express the sadness that I feel for all of you. From what I read, he touched many lives in all areas of his life. May he rest in God's peace. -Liz Bushemi
Phyllis, and James, this is Andrea Corgan from Andrean I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers. -Andrea Corgan
