Worcester: James William Koontz, 88, passed away on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at St. Vincent's Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Formerly a resident of Millbury and Northboro, MA and currently residing at the Willows in Worcester, he leaves his wife of 58 years, Eunice H. (Peterson) Koontz; daughters Karen Stirlen, husband Gene of Colchester, CT; Katherine Cuddy of Lancaster, MA; a son, James Erik, his wife, Suretha of Simsbury, CT; and much-loved grandchildren - Kristina and Kathleen Stirlen, Jennifer, Michelle, and Edward Cuddy, and Alison, Erik, Sunai, and Nicolaas Koontz. He is also survived by his sister, Joy Kelly, husband Arthur, and niece, Lisa, all living in California.
Born in Chicago, IL to James and Helene (Kruissink) Koontz, Jim graduated from Oglethorpe University, Atlanta, GA. Jim had a successful career in sales and marketing, mostly with Georgia-Pacific Corp., followed by a second career in security management. He was an active member of the Church of the Holy Trinity in Marlboro, VASA/ Nordic Lodge #611, enjoyed domestic and international travel with his wife and Saturday night poker games with his friends. As a young man, Jim was active in the Boy Scouts and spent summers as a camp counselor. He often directed and staged church theater productions.
A calling hour will be held on Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at 2 pm at Nordgren Funeral Home, 300 Lincoln St. Worcester. A memorial service will follow at 3 pm in the funeral home. A brief reception will be held at the Willows Retirement Community, 101 Barry Road, Worcester at 4 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in James' memory may be made to Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 60 Gibbon St, Marlborough MA 01752 or to the Boy Scouts of America. For directions or to leave an online condolence message, please click link.