Robert J. Jachim
Robert J. “Bob” Jachim, 87, of North Judson, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, Feb. 20 at Pulaski Health Care Center in Winamac. He was born on Nov. 2, 1938 in North Judson to the late Rudolph “Rudy” and Mary Jachim.
After graduating from the 8th grade at SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic School, he attended North Judson High School, graduating in 1956. There, he played the trumpet in the North Judson School Junior Band and the North Judson High School Band. He enrolled in Purdue University and graduated in 1960 with a B.S. in Pharmacy. He proudly played in the Purdue Symphonic Band and the Purdue All American Marching Band. In 1956, he played in the 30 member Plymouth Sabers Drum and Bugle Corp, sponsored by the Plymouth American Legion Post #27. On Feb. 6, 1961, he enlisted in the Army Reserve, serving in Battery A, 5th Battalion, 60th Artillery and was promoted to Supply Sergeant. He was Honorably Discharged on Feb. 5, 1967, with the rank of Staff Sergeant E-6.
On Aug. 11, 1962, he married Kay Royce at the SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church with a High Mass celebrated by Father Ladislaus Krause.
Bob’s professional career spanned 43 years, working as a pharmacist for Petry Rexall Drug Store in North Judson; Hook Drugs in DeMotte, Winamac and North Judson; four years in the LaPorte Hospital Pharmacy; and CVS, where he retired in 2003. He served as chief pharmacist and store manager at Hook Drugs in Winamac and North Judson. At Petry’s, he was a pharmacy consultant for Little Company of Mary Nursing Home in San Pierre. He often worked over 80 hours per week to provide for his family.
Bob was very active in his church and his community. He served on the Parish Council at SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church; was a charter member of the North Judson Jaycees and served as president in 1967; was on the North Judson Volunteer Fire Department for 18 years and held the office of treasurer for several years; worked for the O’Donnell Funeral Home part-time for three years; and became a certified EMT in 1975 and worked as a volunteer for the Starke County Ambulance Service. He was a charter member of its board of directors and worked as an EMT for six years.
Bob was an active member of the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum in North Judson. He became a member in 1989 and served on the board of directors and as treasurer. He was also involved in caring for the St. Jacob’s Catholic Cemetery in North Judson, assuming the role of cemetery caretaker and served in that role for 30 years. He served on and was chairman of the cemetery board and was instrumental in many aspects of the cemetery. Bob was a member of American Legion Post #92 in North Judson and served several years as the Post Chaplin. He was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters since 1947.
A motto that he has tried to live up to is, “If I could be of some help to someone as I pass their way, then my life will be worth living.” In thinking about his death, he hoped that Jesus would take him by the hand and say something like, “Well, Bob, certainly not perfect, but you tried hard and all-in-all, not a bad job.”
He is survived by his wife, Kay (Royce) Jachim; daughter Donna [Herbert] Galbreath; sons: Steve [Renee] Jachim and Mike [Sherri] Jachim; eight grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.
Preceded in death by parents: Rudolph “Rudy” and Mary Jachim; and brother James “Jim” Jachim.
Visitation will be from 4 – 8 p.m. CT on Wednesday, Feb. 25 at O’Donnell Funeral Home.
Rosary will be at 7 p.m. CT on Wednesday, Feb. 25 at O’Donnell Funeral Home.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. CT on Thursday, Feb. 26 at SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in North Judson. Burial following at St. Jacob’s Catholic Cemetery in North Judson.
Memorial contributions may be made to the North Judson Fire Department or to the Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum.
Arrangements have been entrusted to O’Donnell Funeral Home in North Judson.
(Pulaski County Journal — Feb. 25, 2026)