James Kutz Obituary

James M. Kutz
James "Jim" M. Kutz of Erie, PA died unexpectedly at home on Friday, September 27, 2024. Born in Erie, PA, he was raised in French Creek, NY. He was the son of the late Stanley and Camille Grzegorzewski Kutz. In addition to his parents and grandparents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Jacqueline Hazelton Kutz on August 29, 2024.
Jim was a fun-loving person with his own unique brand of sarcasm and liked to joke around. He was very mechanically inclined like his father and had a knack for fixing anything with a motor. He loved western movies and television shows the most, especially the older ones. Jim would fish and hunt when time permitted, and always had his faithful dogs, Penny and Roscoe nearby. He was known to become attached to animals he considered pets. Once, as a youngster, he raised a couple of pigs and was crushed to find out they would become future meals. He had an excellent memory for the things he experienced growing up as a child in French Creek and those as a teenager living in Erie, often reminiscing about the past, and telling stories about his adventures.
Jim was employed by Birkmire Trucking Company and later by Meadow Brook Dairy/Dean Foods. His adventuresome spirit allowed him to enjoy the time spent driving truck cross country, experiencing new things and seeing new sights in the different states he traveled. He said he felt closest to God when he saw the beauty of the mountains, forests, deserts and all the exuberant beauty of creation.
He was very dedicated to his job. He was a Union Steward while at Meadow Brook and was on the Executive Board of Local Teamsters Union 397. Jim was also a member of the Siebenbuerger Club of Erie.
Jim made friends easily and will be missed by everyone who knew him. He often played Santa Claus for his friends' children at Christmas for the last several years.
Jim is survived by his sons, Jonathan, Joseph, Joshua (Becky), and twin sons, Nicholas (Annmarie), and Christopher; his grandchildren, Taylor (Matt) Baldessari, Cayden, Maddox, Piper, Clyde and Desmond Kutz. He is further survived by his siblings, David of Phoenix, AZ, Kathleen Kutz, Michele Wheaton, and Andrew (Annie) of Erie; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends from Florida to California and everywhere in-between. Jim is also survived by a step-daughter, Kelly Koprowski and her sons, Joey and Matt Meinhart; step-son, Tony (April) Koprowski and their child, Toby.
There will be no viewing. Private arrangements are entrusted to the Dusckas Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 2607 Buffalo Rd. If you wish to honor Jim's memory, donations can be made to the ANNA Shelter, 1555 East 10th Street, Erie, PA 16511