CALABASH — James Edward “Jim” Kraut, 78, formerly of Berlin, Connecticut, passed away suddenly Friday, Jan. 24, 2020.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 51 years, Judith “Judy” (Devokaitis) Kraut; and son, Kenneth Kraut of New Britain, Connecticut. He also leaves behind his brother, Charles Kraut, and sister-in-law, Diane, of Berlin, Connecticut; sister, Nan Doyle of New Britain, Connecticut; and many nieces and nephews. Jim was a graduate of Saint Thomas Aquinas High School in New Britain, Connecticut, and Saint Michael’s College in Winooski, Vermont.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Kathryn (Lynch) Kraut; and brother-in-law, James Doyle.
Jim retired from the Hartford Insurance Group, where he spent 25 years as a corporate trainer. He was an active member in the community, and belonged to the Berlin Lions Club, the Italian Political Club and the Polish Political Club, where he served as a permittee for many years. When he and Judy moved to Calabash in 2010, Jim became active in the Calabash VFW club (Veterans of Foreign Wars), and the local Elks’ Lodge. Jim was a die-hard New York Giants football fan, along with being a fan of NASCAR and the UCONN (University of Connecticut) Huskies women’s basketball team.
Sporting his trademark retro-style, white, handlebar mustache, everyone new Jim as a “great guy,” one who touched many lives, and one who happily went along with the many antics of his wife Judy.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, Feb. 10, at Saint Brendan’s Catholic Church, Shallotte. A celebration of life will also be held in Berlin, Connecticut, in the spring.
Jim’s great sense of humor, smile and kindness is a great legacy of the wonderful person he was. We will miss him more than words can say.
Share online condolences with the family at White Funeral and Cremation Service, Shallotte.
