James L. Kurtz

James Leon Kurtz, 85, of Mount Pleasant, formerly of Fairfield, died Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Genesis Mercy One Hospital in Davenport.

Jim was born October 30, 1939, in Germanville, Iowa, the son of Leon J. and Mary (Quinn) Kurtz. He attended country school in Germanville and later when his family moved to Fairfield, he attended schools there. Jim worked as a paper boy in Fairfield, Burns Grocery Store, and Perry Sinclair. He then studied to be an electrician and got his first job working for Speer Electric at age 23. Jim later worked for Zehr Electric, and eventually started his own business as Kurtz Electric. Much of his work was done in the Fairfield and Mount Pleasant area.

Jim loved the outdoors and enjoyed boating, fishing with bank lines and walking on many hiking trails with his wife and dogs. After retiring, Jim enjoyed going on day trips to county parks, where he would walk the trails and have picnic lunches. Throughout his life Jim always had the love of many faithful dogs by his side & he passed on this compassion for pets to his loved ones! His family was thankful to be able to share with him many adventures in nature & everyone enjoyed his sense of humor! Jim's family camped at McCoon Access for 15 years, then later had a permanent camping spot & boat dock at Ketchum Bridge Access for 30 years & had many lifelong friends at both places.

Those who are left behind to cherish his memory are Karen, his wife & companion of 45 yrs, his daughters Kimberly Jennings of Marengo, Tami Kurtz of Fairfield, and stepdaughter Traci Gardner of St. Cloud, Florida; grandchildren Amanda Amzalag, Falon Gardner, Cairys Gardner; two great grandsons Elijah Amzalag and Isaiah Amzalag; sister Jeri (Frank) Powers of Ft. Madison; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five siblings Patricia Randall, Dolores Herrod, Greg Kurtz, Daniel Kurtz, and Jeanette Kurtz.

According to his wishes his body has been cremated and there will be no services. Burial will take place at the Oakland Mills Cemetery. A general memorial fund has been established. The Olson-Powell Chapel & Crematory is caring for Jim and his family.