James W. Kurtz, age 85 of Lucas, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 8, 2025. He was born on June 21, 1939, in Lucas to the late Caleb and Mary Ella (Osborne) Kurtz, and on July 27, 1961, he married the love of his life, Sue (Harry), at Mt. Zion Lutheran Church.
Jim graduated from Lucas High School in 1957, and he then worked for T&A Safeway/Foodtown as a produce manager and union steward for 22 years until his retirement in 1973. He was also a lifelong farmer, and for 29 years, he was the owner/operator of Kurtz Waste Control, once the largest independent residential waste removal company in Richland County, and then Affordable Roll-Off Box Services.
Jim was a faithful member of Mansfield Baptist Temple, attending the church since 1961. There, he was a Sunday school teacher and superintendent, and he was also a deacon and sang in the choir.
He is survived by his wife Sue Kurtz; his children Greg (Jan) Kurtz, Steve (Lisa) Kurtz, and Barb (Perry) Mullins; his grandchildren Kristin Kurtz, Steve Kurtz, Jr., Candace (Tim) Frost, Caitlin Kurtz, Josh (Callie) Mullins, Fayth Mullins, and Alayah Mullins; his great-grandchildren Raegan Frost, Marley Mullins, Macy Mullins, Moxon Mullins, Lucian Senitt, and Elias Mullins; and his siblings Martha (Wilbur) Brumenshenkel, George (Debbie) Kurtz, Kenny (Gwen) Kurtz, Naomi (Bill) Harry, and Dorothy (Dan) Sorg.
He was preceded in death by his parents Caleb and Mary Kurtz; his siblings John Kurtz,
Raymond Kurtz, Ed Kurtz, David Kurtz, Gene Kurtz, and Mary Heston; his daughter-in-law Debra K. Kurtz; his grandson Derrick Mullins; and his great-grandson Logan Frost.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 14, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Werner-Gompf Funeral Services, ltd., 1106 Park Avenue East, Mansfield. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm at the funeral home with Pastor Robert J. Kurtz officiating. Burial will follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Mansfield Baptist Temple, 752 Stewart Rd N, Mansfield, OH 44905.
Werner-Gompf Funeral Services, 1106 Park Avenue East, Mansfield, is honored to be assisting the family with the arrangements.
Online condolences may be made at www.wernergompf.com