James H. Kurtz, 86, of Granger and formerly of Elkhart & Sebring FL, died Saturday February 3, 2018 at Elkhart General Hospital. Jim was born in Elkhart on November 2, 1931 to James O. & Lillian (Richter) Kurtz. He graduated from Elkhart High School with the Class of '49 and on November 20, 1949, Jim married Marilyn (Hamilton) Kurtz, who preceded him in death on July 8, 2010 after 60 years of marriage. Jim served his country proudly in the US Air Force; he was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.  He retired in May, 1992 as an International UAW Representative and from CTS Corporation where he served as past president of UAW Local 941 there. Jim enjoyed retirement and the time spent with Mitzi and their family & friends; snowmobiling, boating, traveling in their motorhome  along with members of their RV club in Florida and caring for their beloved Shar-Pei's, Shari, Ling Su and Sugar.  In addition to his parents and his wife Mitzi, Jim was also preceded in death by his brother, Arthur W. Kurtz. He is survived by his daughters, Kathryn Ann (Mike) Sbardellati of San Jacinto CA and Valerie Jo (Jon) Hicks of Elkhart; his son, Joel William (Melissa) Kurtz of South Bend; grandchildren, Matthew Kramer of Venice FL, Amy Neal of Nicholasville KY, Kaitlin Neal of Elkhart and Hannah Kurtz of Mishawaka; brothers, Bill J. Kurtz of Mishawaka, Jerry J. (Amy) Kurtz of Las Vegas NV and two great-grandsons. Funeral Services 10:00 Saturday February 10, 2018 in Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Hwy. where friends may call from 9-10am Saturday. Calling also from 4-7pm Friday in the funeral home. Interment in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. The family's preferred memorial is the American Cancer Society. To share a remembrance of Jim or to offer condolences to his family, please visit www.chapelhillmemorial.com .