Businessman, University of Kentucky Trustee, and Kappa Sigma’s 2019 Man of the Year James ‘Jim” W. Stuckert, (Beta-Nu, University of Kentucky, ’56) entered the Chapter Celestial on August 7, 2025.
Brother Stuckert joins his late Brother, Robert L. Stuckert (Beta-Nu, University of Kentucky, ’57) in the Chapter Celestial. He is also preceded in death by his cherished wife of 59 years, Diane Vittitow Stuckert, a Kappa Sigma Sweetheart.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Mathias Stuckert, and a loving family who will carry forward his legacy of kindness, leadership, and joy. Jim leaves behind his sister, Elizabeth Stuckert Ray and his three children: Steve Stuckert (Carole), Susie Crush (Steve), and Scott Stuckert (Mary); ten grandchildren: Christopher Crush (Sarah), Taylor Hoblitzell (Greg), Kevin Crush (Kate), Daniel Crush, Peri Crush (Kevin Morris), Michael Stuckert, Morgan Stuckert, Catherine Ward (Tyler), Will Stuckert (Gianna), and Sarah Stuckert; and nine great-grandchildren who brought him endless delight.
Brother Stuckert was an April 22, 1956, initiate of the Beta-Nu Chapter at the University of Kentucky, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (1960) and a Master of Business Administration (1961). During his undergraduate years, he served as both Grand Procurator and twice as Grand Master of the Chapter. He was inducted into the Beta-Nu Hall of Fame inaugural class in 2015 and has been inducted into the University of Kentucky Fraternity and Sorority Hall of Fame.
Brother Stuckert has remained active as a member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and as an initiate of Beta-Nu Chapter throughout his life. He was involved in the founding of Kappa Sigma Chapters at Western Kentucky (Theta-Theta) in 1964 and the University of Louisville (Mu-Eta) in 1984. In July 2008, he received the A Greater Cause Distinguished Alumnus Award from Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He credited the Fraternity with helping him develop his social, leadership, and Brotherhood skills.
Brother Stuckert’s first employment was with Cummins Engine Company in Columbus, Indiana. In December 1962 Brother Stuckert joined W.L. Lyons and Company. He became a partner of the merged J.J.B. Hilliard, W. L. Lyons, and Company in December of 1968. He was responsible for equity trading at Hilliard Lyons prior to assuming the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer in December of 1995. He has served on the Board of Directors of Hilliard Lyons, Inc. since its incorporation on December 1, 1972, until his retirement as Chairman of the Board on December 31, 2003.
His leadership and vision helped shape the firm’s success and reputation. Beyond his professional achievements, Jim was deeply committed to the University of Kentucky. He served as president of the UK Alumni Association in 1976 and was appointed to the UK Board of Trustees in 2009, where he served as vice-chair and chaired the Finance Committee for five years, and Chairman of the Board of the University of Kentucky Development Council. He was the Chair of the Capital Campaign recently concluded, which raised over $1 billion for the University of Kentucky. Brother Stuckert is a UK Presidential Fellow. Brother Stuckert was inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame of the University of Kentucky Carol Gatton College of Business and Economics in February of 1997. He was also inducted to the University of Kentucky Hall of Distinguished Alumni in May of 2000 and was inducted to the Engineering Hall of Fame in April of 2002. Among other honors, Brother Stuckert was the recipient of the Honorary Doctor of Letters Degree from the University of Kentucky in May of 2004.
He also served as Chair of the University of Kentucky Presidential Search Committee in 2010 and 2011 resulting in the hiring of President Eli Capilouto effective July 1, 2011. Brother Stuckert considered the hiring of President Capilouto to be one of the University’s most significant achievements.
Jim’s passion for the University was truly unmatched, and his legacy will continue to shape its future for years to come. The James W. Stuckert Career Center at the University of Kentucky was named in his honor by the University Trustees for the generous resources provided for the Career Center by Brother Stuckert.
“Study hard, work hard, have fun, and learn to spend time wisely. Pay attention, be involved, and always be a part of the solution, not the problem. Be a positive influence and appreciate what you have.” – James Stuckert (Beta-Nu, University of Kentucky, ’56)
Information was used from the Pearson Funeral Home website.
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