Kurtz

C. James "Jim" Kurtz, 74, loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, of Valley View Drive in Butler died Friday at the home he built in the presence of many friends and family members and with his wife, Virginia, holding his hand.

Born Jan. 17, 1932, in Sewickley, he was a son of the late Merle and Blanche Oesterling Kurtz.

Mr. Kurtz worked for 46 years as a stonemason and bricklayer. He was a member of the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Crafts.

Jim was and incredible craftsman known for his hard work and for the quality of his work. Many Butler area residents live in homes graced by the beautiful fireplaces and chimneys he built.

After his retirement, he continued to work on his own home. His home remodeling efforts reflected the pride and precision he brought to all his work.

He was a veteran of the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.

Jim was an avid golfer. His sons and daughter would like to thank him for passing on his passion for the Steelers and Pirates.

His wife, Virginia L. Komstock Kurtz, whom he married Sept. 30, 1967, survives him.

Also surviving are seven sons, Alan J. Kurtz and his wife, Mary, of Palmyra, Maine, Keith O. Kurtz and his wife, Carol, of Arlington, Va., Bruce E. Kurtz of Butler, Gregory J. Kurtz and his wife, Anita, of Lexington Park, Md., David W. Kurtz of Pittsburgh, Matthew M. Kurtz of Pittsburgh and Brian K. Kurtz of Butler; a daughter, Mrs. Steve (Heidi) Friel of Butler; a sister, Mrs. Hazel Bowen of Warren, Ohio; 10 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

His first wife, Gertrude "Babe" Stillwagon Kurtz, preceded him in death in 1965. A brother also preceded him.

<B>KURTZ</B> — Friends of C. James "Jim" Kurtz, who died Friday, Dec. 1, 2006, will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the <B>Geibel Funeral Home</B> 201 E. Cunningham St. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Final arrangements are being completed by the Geibel Funeral Home.Information also is available at www.geibelfuneralhome.com.