James Adelbert Kurtz, 93, of Duluth, Minnesota passed away on June 26, 2024. He was born in Hastings, Michigan, on November 10, 1930 to Harry Frederick and Ida Laura (Robinson) Kurtz. He received his GED while serving in the U.S. Navy Air Corps which he served from 1948-1952 in peacetime and during the Korean War.

On December 18, 1954 he married Shirley Ann Ridder in Kalamazoo, Michigan. In 1956 he received his Bachelor of Science degree at Western Michigan University. In 1969 he completed his Masters of Public Health at the University of Michigan. He worked in Environmental Health for 11 years in Michigan and 25 years in Minnesota.

Jim enjoyed family, photography, square dancing (president of the local club), camping, canoeing, fishing, writing poetry and passionate about Egyptian history. One of his favorite places was spending time in Minnesota's Boundary Waters. Jim was an accomplished photographer throughout his life with his artistry sold at Lizards Art Gallery, Duluth Zoo, and craft shows in northern Minnesota. He was also a past President of the Duluth-Superior Camera Club, having been a member for over 30 years. Jim also instructed classes at the University (UMD) for Seniors on photography and ancient Egypt.  He supported the Hartley Nature Center with equipment donations and advocacy since moving to Duluth in 1970.

Jim was a member of Glenn Avon Masonic lodge #306, past member of The AAD Temple of Shrine, and a Mason of Scottish Rite 32 degree AM & FM. He was also a member of the American Legion, a life member of the United Sportsman Club, and member of the Duluth Playhouse (1983-1989) performing in 'Heaven Can Wait' as Mr. Jordan, 'Ten Knights in a Bar Room' as Squire Romaine, and a knight in 'Camelot' and other productions.  Jim was also cast in the 1994 adventure movie 'Iron Will'.

Jim is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Shirley Ann Ridder Kurtz; daughters, Becky (Steve) Layne of Tampa, Florida, Barbara (John) Hass of Duluth, Minnesota, Laura Dahlen of Champlin, Minnesota, Diana (John) Toman of Duluth, Minnesota, and Karol Kurtz of Burnsville, Minnesota; grandchildren, Christina, Robby, Laurie, Katie, Emily, Jennifer, and Alexander; and his dear family friend, Kevin Dahlen of Champlin, Minnesota.

Memorial service with Military Honors to be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, July 31st at Sunrise Funeral Home, 4798 Miler Trunk Hwy, with reception to follow. Memorials may be made to Animal Allies or the Animal Shelter. Private services will be held at Sunrise Memorial Park Cemetery.