June 19 1944 – November 8 2021
Our so very deeply loved James, “Handsome”, “Dad”, “Popi”, our husband, father and grandfather, ended his decades-long battle with Parkinson’s disease Monday November 8 at 5:05 pm.
He did not want to leave us any more than we wanted him to go. As always though, it was on his terms. With the unstinting help of the amazing Hospice family, and the caring and compassionate staff at Montefiore St Luke’s, James finished this battle with his usual grace, charm and dignity.
We are grateful for all the generous support and kind and loving words that have upheld us throughout this difficult period. James knew you were there for him in all the many ways you manIfested your love, and he was very deeply moved.
Plans? In this time of COVID, we invite you to a virtual Kutter style “Wake”. Grab a glass (or a bottle) and meet us Friday, November 19, 2021 at 2pm Eastern time for a festive celebration of James’ life. You will receive details of the platform and link closer to the date. Please let us know you would like to participate so we can be sure you get the link. Donations in lieu of flowers, no food please, to Hudson Valley Hospice or to fight Parkinson’s — there are many worthy organizations around the country.
Born in New York City June 19, 1944, James was an extroverted Gemini, with his public side and his deeply private side. He was a Devoted Son to Joseph and Mary, remaining true to, and quietly proud of, his roots no matter where life took him. He attended St Brigid’s school, Brooklyn Technical High School and Pace University.
For more than 20 years, in spite of battling Parkinson’s, James was a regular blood donor. You could also consider giving blood in honor of James.
James was always happier enjoying the outdoors, away from the city. He spent two summers working on a dairy farm in the Catskills in his teens. This led to a love of un-denatured manure as garden fertilizer, and endless hours on his garden tractor digging up the lawn and Ann’s gardens and sometimes mowing.
James had a 30+ year career in computers, spanning card punch machines to main frames, software, sales, marketing and management, and including a nearly 5 year stint in France. It took a Presidential election to clear his file.
To those of us lucky enough to be his friends, James was a faithful friend who loved life and sharing its bounty. He could be counted on always to join any spur of the moment madness.
Husband to Ann, his lucky bride and partner of 49 years, he promised 50 years, and this past July was 50 years since they met and fell in love. What an adventure, filled with laughter and fun. Together they made amazing friends, met and had the opportunity to work with very interesting people in great locations, renovated their bungalow, (multiple times), played at landscape design, travelled, danced, enjoyed all the beauty and amenities the Hudson Valley has to offer, travelled some more and loved their growing family.
James was a well loved brother-in law, uncle, and great uncle. The whole family has many happy memories of fun and games at Club Kutter under James’ leadership.
He was an unselfish and inspiring father to son Jim, of whom he was unendingly proud. When Jim brought Aisha into the family the joy and love grew exponentially, and Ish has been a true daughter from the start. Together they made him the proud grandfather of the wonderful Harrison, William and Josephine, who brought great love, joy and fun over the past 16 years.
An avid skier, James always found a good excuse for a trip to the slopes, especially Colorado. It’s best to describe James’ embrace of skiing as Daredevil Alpine in style, and skip over the cliffs jumped off and ski patrol rescues interrupted, always with “last year’s equipment” as much a part of his enjoyment as the snow and the mountains. His first broken ankle couldn’t keep him off the slopes, or from driving to them! Luckily, the traffic cop never saw the cast!
He was an award winning Ballroom dancer, who battled Ann for the lead throughout their 50 year practice.
As a Road trip adventurer, There was nowhere James wasn’t willing to drive to, or into, or talk his way out of.
He was a Tinkerer, especially with his beloved “Queen Mary”. Three engine rebuilds, including a punctured gas tank and some shakey jacks, and he was ready for another 200,000 miles. Unfortunately, Parkinson’s and a dirty yellow Volkswagen had other plans.
At his most charming, James was a Cosmopolitan bon vivant who loved life, good restaurants, food and wine, or beer and wurst if the opportunity arose, in the company of friends and family. James loved candles on the table, fondue, flambé desserts , BBQs, propane torches and bonfires. Are you sensing a theme? They were frequently not only spectacular but make good stories.
Later, James became an Accidental political activist, who never wavered from his convictions, or his belief in the value, freedoms and responsibilities of our American democracy.
His favorite place in the world was next to his son, where he could recharge and be ready for the next great romp. Spike and Chester in the flesh.
James had his own vision of the world, a compassionate and completely focused approach to life and the people he cared about. He never lost sight of his goals or his priorities. For him the journey and its complete enjoyment was truly at least as important as the destination.
Every day has been a holiday James, and every meal a banquet. You will continue to be our inspiration. The hole you leave in our lives will never be filled.
– Ann