Jim was tragically killed on January 26, 2005, in a Metrolink train crash in Glendale, CA. He will be missed by many. Jim's first love, ahead of his beloved Pittsburgh Steelers and his coveted Ford Mustangs, was his family. A kid at heart until the day he passed, Tutino always had a way of making them laugh, bringing sunshine into their lives even on Southern California’s rare cloudy days. In addition to the 23 years that he spent as a Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff, he spent the last 5 years coaching football at Simi Valley High School. I think Rosie Brown, fellow coach at Simi Valley High said it best " "He [Jim] didn’t care if you were 0-10 on the football field, he wanted you to be 10-0 in the game of life," Brown saidl. "I take some solace in the fact that I know he’s in a better place now. Heaven’s got a good father, son and friend, and God, if you want to start a football team, you’ve got a good coach too."

You can read other comments / stories about Jim at the Officer Down Pages - remembering all of Law Enforements Hereos. - excerpt - Deputy Tutino was killed when a man caused a commuter train to derail when he parked his SUV on the railroad tracks in the train's path. As the train approached the obstruction the suspect ran from the scene. The train derailed when it struck the vehicle and struck an oncoming commuter train, causing it to derail as well.

Deputy Tutino, who was en route to the Central Jail, and 10 civilians were killed as a result of the incident. More than 200 other citizens were injured. The suspect was arrested a short time later and charged with arson and 11 counts of homicide.Deputy Tutino had served with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for 23 years. He is survived by his wife, five children, two grandchildren, parents, brother, and sister.

For those of you who did not know Jim - Jim was rich with life. Here are a few of Jim's hobbies and accomplishments over the years:

Jim loved to run and ran in the Vegas to Baker run for the LA Sheriff's Dept for many years. See our picture tribute to see some photos.
Jim loved animials - he once took in a dept shepard that could not make the cut to being a K-9. He and Sandy (the dog) were best friends for many years.
Jim also had a small farm for a while, with horses, chickens and some other animals. He was certified to ride with the mounted detail - but never did.
Jim loved Mustangs - the Ford kind! He had a number of Mustags throughout his lifetime, including a new Mach1 when he was killed. He spend many hours working on his beloved cars.
Jim completed in triathons for the Sheriff's Dept and on his own for a time - generally teaming with two other participants in a relay team - Jim competed in the biking. He had a racing bike (think Lance Armstrong) and loved to go on very long bike rides.
Jim also loved Harley's - and would stop to try them on for size anytime he came across one.
Jim loved sports - especially football and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jim was born just outside Pittsburgh, and although the family relocated to CA when Jim was only 6, the entire family remaines diehard Steeler fans.
Jim began his career has a Paramedic - and then entered law enforcement. He loved his job and respected his fellow deputies. His commitment to his professional was second only to his family.
Jim loved to read and had just finished reading Pat Tillman's book just before he was killed. He always enjoyed stories of overcoming the obstacles in life - he was the eternal optimist.