Obituary of James Edward Kruze

JAMES “KRUZER” KRUZE

Passed away peacefully at home on October 14, 2025, at age 78.  Predeceased by his parents, Leo and Helen Kruze; brothers, John Kruze and Thomas Kruze; brother-in-law, Dale Andrewson.  Survived by his caring wife of 42 years, Patti; sons, Jonathan (Theresa) Kruze and Dylan Seitz; grandchildren, Jackson Kruze, Zhaeylix Kahalewai, Allysia and Elizabeth Bruner; brother, Skip (Jodi) Kruze; sisters, Patricia Andrewson and Mary Andrews; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, former students, and friends.

A Life of Service, Faith, and Significance

Kruzer devoted his life to family, friends, mentorship and service. A Rochester native, Jim excelled as a student-athlete at Churchville HS, lettering in multiple varsity sports before graduating in 1965. He continued his education at Monroe Community College, playing on MCC’s undefeated 1965 soccer team which went 14-0 and captured the school’s first NJCAA national championship. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree from SUNY Brockport and a master’s in Biology.  In 1971, after beginning his teaching career in the Webster School District, Jim was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War, where he served in the rank of Specialist for the 13th Air Defense Group, PSF, CA. When his active duty ended, he returned to Webster and resumed the work he would come to view as his life’s purpose: teaching, mentoring and serving.

For over a half century thereafter, Jim became a pillar of Webster Schroeder High School. He taught biology and mostly health education. During these years that followed he taught with pride, patience, dignity, and love of students that defined him from the start. In addition to his impact in the classroom, Jim invested himself beyond the walls of his daily lessons. He coached girls’ soccer, boys’ track, girls’ tennis, boys’ cross-country, and girls’ volleyball — gifting his time and character to student-athletes long after the final whistle. He lived by the creed he held as a personal mission: “Treat everyone as if he or she is the most important person in the world.” He modeled this in small acts — clearing trays, offering a smile in discouragement, shaking hands at the end of every class — giving dignity to ordinary moments. His impact on the students was notable as over 16 times Jim was asked to do the commencement speech for the graduating seniors. He graciously turned down well over 10 requests over the years obliging 6 times. He felt that other teachers deserved a chance to make an impact and even went out of his way helping other teachers write commencement speeches.

In 2004, the students dedicated the Webster Schroeder yearbook in his honor and finally in 2008 he formally retired from his full-time classroom role as a teacher. He continued his selfless service transitioning to a key role in the school’s athletic supervision program. There his impact was just as monumental as the school decided to dedicate the football field press box in his honor, the: Jim Kruze Press Box. Whether in the classroom, or out working at a sporting event, Kruzer managed to impact countless lives through his generosity and willingness to improve every aspect. It was not uncommon for co-workers to find Jim at the school after midnight, by himself, working on some detailed oriented project which he felt improved the image of the school. He not only took pride in treating everyone with kindness, but he took pride in every aspect of the school, from meticulously hanging small plaques in the hallway honoring former teams, to making sure the American Flag in the gymnasium was framed and hung centered on the wall, to adding horns and lights to the John Deere gators vehicles the school used for athletic events. Often, all these improvements he made were costs he took on and paid for. Jim had the motto “It’s gotta get done” so he would spare no expense and devote whatever time he needed to finish whatever project he started. This quiet, steady presence around the classrooms, cafeteria halls, athletic fields, and daily school life left an imprint that will echo in the halls of Webster Schroeder for generations to come. Over more than half a century, Jim’s faith, work ethic, humor, loyalty, and gentleness shaped countless lives. He left behind not only a record of success, but a legacy of significance.

At home, Jim was a devoted husband to Patti, and a proud amazing father to Jonathan and Dylan.  For many years he made weekly dinners for his mother, mowed her large property and functioned as a barber for his oldest brother John who suffered from Cerebral Palsy. Outside of work, he found joy on the lake owning several boats and jet skis, he spent hours working on his renowned “Kruzer tan” and loved listening to music — especially “Get Over It” by The Eagles. While most view relaxation as doing nothing, Jim’s relaxation was thinking of projects he could do around school and around his house. Over the last 15 years, his son Jonathan moved six times due to Air Force change of station orders, all which Jim was there to help including caring for Jonathan’s aging dog Roxy during an overseas tour. While Jim was not initially thrilled to take on a dog, he harnessed the message from one of his favorite Eagles songs “Get over it” and took it in stride.  Little did he know at the time; Roxy would become his emotional support friend sitting with him every night as he struggled with pain from his declining health. He called it one of the best blessings in his life for Roxy to be there with him, and it reaffirmed his message to others that the best things in life often will come from the least expected places. Jonathan recalls after each move, Jim would exclaim “this is the last time I’m helping” yet as the moves continued to come, Jim never backed down and continue to be there typically blocking off several weeks to visit the new homes to get the “gotta get done” Jim projects done. He was meticulous and purposeful; he didn’t want his family living in homes that weren’t up to the “Kruzer Standard.” Even up to his final three weeks where his body began to truly fail him, he vowed to gather enough energy to help his son with a garage project in his new home. His selfless and relentless desire to help his family, school, friends, students and coworkers were felt even up to his final days.

Closing Tribute - By Jonathan Kruze

Words can’t fully capture what this man meant to his family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know him. His absence will leave an indelible void we won’t be able to fill. He was a model father, husband, teacher, mentor, and friend — the kind of man who inspired everyone simply by being himself. He had that rare gift of making each person feel like the most important in the world at the very moment he was with them.

In life, two measures often define our impact: success and significance.  Success is what we build for ourselves — and Jimmy had plenty of that. From the countless students who flourished under his guidance, to the athletes and teachers who grew through his leadership, he left a trail of accomplishments that spoke volumes.  But success fades when the applause stops, as the GOAT Kruzer walks off the stage a true warrior. His significance, however, echoes forever — in the lives he impacted, the people he lifted, and the love he shared. His significance will continue to shape generations to come. Kruzer achieved his goal: to make a difference in the world, one person at a time.  One of his favorite teachings came from Tuesdays with Morrie, where Morrie imagines a little bird sitting on his shoulder each day asking:

“Is today the day I’m going to die?”

The bird is not about fear, but awareness — a reminder to live better while we still can. To focus on what truly matters: love, kindness, forgiveness, and human connection.  My dad’s successes may have ended, but his significance will last forever — in the hearts, minds, and memories of everyone blessed to have been his “most important person” in that moment.

Love you, Dad. Forever in our hearts. Let’s give Kruzer one last send-off — Wooooo!

Calling Hours and Celebration of Life

Calling Hours: Saturday November 1st, 2-7 PM

Location: Falvo Funeral Home. 1295 Fairport Nine Mile Point Rd. Webster, NY 14580

Celebration of Life: Saturday November 29th 1-5 PM

RSVP INVITE Link - https://evite.me/uW2Un348vM

Location: Glendoveers Banquet Facility. 2328 Old Browncroft Blvd. Rochester, NY 14625

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Kruzer’s name to the James P. Wilmot Cancer Center here à https://gofund.me/82a2e0fa8