John Franklin Kurtz
John Franklin Kurtz
Born October-19, 1942 in Youngstown, OH to Christine Marks & John Meredith Kurtz; passed on February 15, 2020 in New Bern, NC.
John was raised in Langhorne, PA where he graduated Neshaminy High School 1960. While attending Neshaminy, he participated in numerous sports and enjoyed a stellar football career. After high school he attended and graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1965 with a degree in electrical engineering. While at the VPI he had the honor of marching with the Pershing Rifles in JFK’s inauguration in 1960. He went on to obtain a master’s degree in business management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 1966. During the Vietnam War, he served in the US Army 1968-1970.
He was joined in marriage to Joy Lam September 30, 1967 in Battlecreek, MI.
Following his service, he and Joy located in Upper Montclair, NJ and later Mendham, NJ where they remained until retirement and relocated to New Bern, NC.
John was always serious, industrious and hardworking beginning with neighborhood grass cutting, hobbies from building model airplanes and stereo equipment then later in life woodworking. His illustrious career took him far and wide to include engineering, manufacturing, corporate management and consulting.
He started skiing before it was really popular in the late 60’s and introduced as many family and friends he could talk into going with him. He spent many joyous, family holidays skiing in Vermont and Aspen. He was also an avid golfer throughout his entire life, maintaining a single digit handicap.
John leaves behind his loving family: wife Joy Lam Kurtz of New Bern, NC; daughter Courtney A Kurtz of Austin, TX; son and daughter in law Jourdan and Jodie Kurtz of Chicago, IL; sister and brother in law Martha and Ken Robinson of Carbondale, CO; brother in law and sister in law Richard and Sandy Lam of Beaufort, SC; and several cousins in Ohio, Colorado and California.
Cremation has taken place and his ashes will be scattered In Colorado in a private family gathering. A Celebration of Life will be April 4, 2020 1-4 P.M. at Aspen Glen Club, 545 Bald Eagle Way, Carbondale, CO. Please RSVP karmar@sopris.net
In lieu of flowers please share an act of kindness with someone near and dear or a stranger that could use a hand up. Or if you chose, make contribution to a charity of your choice. John’s passions were animal rescue, cancer research, classical music and VPI.
