Jimmie Lewis Piwonka, 22, of Ganado, Texas, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 22, 2024. He began his journey in life, born to Rachel Rutherford on June 21, 2002, in Houston, Texas and quickly overcame many obstacles, spending his first few months at Texas Children’s Hospital. Here, he showcased his spunk and absolute charisma, charming the nurses and earning the nickname “Dennis the Menace.”

Throughout his life, Jimmie had many loves and was loved by many. As a child, he could be found in or near Palacios or Ganado playing in the mud, fishing or hunting with his Uncle Ryan, riding the roads on his bicycle (and eventually four-wheeler), getting into mischief with his cousin Joshua at his Grandmother and PawPaw’s house, or laughing and loving with his mother. He eventually made his way to Berthold, North Dakota, where he made many lifelong friends and memories that will forever live in the hearts and appreciation of his family. It is in Berthold, North Dakota that Jimmie thrived. He was extremely happy there and had plans of returning. There are no words that can express the depth of loss Jimmie’s absence brings to all that knew and loved him. Heaven has surely gained a truly extraordinary soul!

Jimmie is survived by his mother and father, Dustin and Racheal Rutherford, his sisters Shelby and Dusti, and Brooke Gillmouth (Chace), his grandmother Debbie Richter (Mike) of Palacios, Nana Shirley McCarrell (Ken) of Medina, and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his brother Aaron Kudelka, cousin Joshua Kudelka, Great Grandparents George and Lela Jane Koenig, Grandparents Daniel Kudelka, Randy Bigelow, and Howard Rutherford, and his Uncle Carl Kudelka.

Jimmie’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Sarfraz and Seema Prasal for their love and support of Jimmie these past years. They truly made an impact on his life! Pallbearers will be Allen Morrison, Corey Davis, Bryan Schumacher, Tyler Cavender, Dan Rutherford, Garrett Vacek, and Bryan Schumacher and Honorary Pallbearer Dan Lee Rutherford Jr.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate his life on Friday, September 27, 2024, at 10:00 am at Hawley Cemetery in El Maton, Texas. There will be a reception following his graveside services at the El Maton National Hall in El Maton, Texas. Please keep his family and friends in your prayers.