James E Geurtz's Obituary
Born the day after Christmas, 1921, in Phlox, Wisconsin during a blistery snow storm, Colonel James E. Geurtz (Retired) departed this earth on July 22, 2012 on a sunny day in Clearwater, Florida.Jim is remembered as a brilliant and humble man who took great pride in doing the right thing. He took his responsibility to serve his God, his Country, and his family seriously, not just through his faith and beliefs but through his daily actions. As an active member of Espiritu Santo Catholic Church in Clearwater, Florida, Jim was a devout Catholic. His three sons served as altar boys in the Church, attended Catholic schools, and graduated from Catholic universities. All three were married in the Church and continue to raise their children to serve God. Colonel James Geurtz served his country during the most turbulent times of the 20th century. He began his service as a second lieutenant in World War II, was recalled for the Korean War, and continued to a 32-year career through the Vietnam War and the Cold War. He was witness to numerous significant historical events. As a young man, he flew 35 missions from Italy and North Africa during World War II to secure an Allied victory in Europe. He was in Hawaii during its Statehood. He was serving in the Pentagon during the Cuban missile crisis. He led a team to computerize the Strategic Air Command which created the predecessor of the modern Internet. He was on a fact finding mission in Saigon, Vietnam during the Tet Offensive. He often risked his own safety so that others could live in a world where freedom reigned. For his bravery, he was awarded numerous medals including: three Legions of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, and six Air Medals. In 1949, he met and married Frances Holland, a war widow, and raised his family during the American baby boom. He graduated from Jackson College in Business Administration, often doing homework in his car while his young children played in the home.After his military career, Jim and Fran settled in Minneapolis, Minnesota when he accepted a position with Honeywell, Inc. He transferred to Clearwater in 1977 and has lived here since that time, often lamenting the dynamic growth of the area. After Honeywell, Jim consulted various corporations and was a critical member on the winning team for the design of the military Humvee, later redesigned for civilians as the Hummer. In 1993 he retired for the final time to perfect his golf game at Countryside Country Club. In January of this year, Jim passed on his lucky set of Ping irons to his grandson, Jack, who is an avid junior golfer. Jim enjoyed traveling to visit his sons Greg and Peter's families. He was especially grateful that his son Tom and his family live in the Clearwater area so that he could see his grandsons Michael and James grow up.James was preceded in death by his sister Helen, his wife, Fran, and his daughter-in-law, Jan. He is survived by his three sons and their families: Peter and Candace of Atlanta; Greg and Renata and their children, Heidi and Jack of Austin; and Tom and Ann and their sons, James and Michael of New Port Richey, Florida. Uncle Jim has numerous nieces and nephews from his wife's family who live throughout the United States. In lieu of Flowers memorial donations maybe made to Espiritu Santo Catholic Church 2405 Philippe Parkway Safety Harbor FL 34695.In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Espiritu Santo Catholic Church, 2405 Philippe Parkway, Safety Harbor, FL 34695.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?