James Henry Curtis

James Curtis passed comfortably at home in Coral Springs, Florida on Friday January 10th, 2025, at the age of 87.

James leaves behind his son, Brian Curtis; daughter-in-law, Gilma Curtis; and 4 great grandchildren, Gabriel, Madelen, Jameson, and Olivia.

James is preceded in death by his wife, Sandra; daughter, Lisa; and grandchildren, Rory and Shawna.

James was born on August 20, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois, to James G. Curtis and Mary V. Curtis (Jabczynski). He met the love of his life, Sandy Husted, when her family moved into the neighborhood, and they soon married on November 24, 1956. Their union brought 2 children into the world, Brian and Lisa. Jim and Sandy remained husband and wife for 65 years until Sandy’s passing in 2021.

Jimmy grew up in Chicago, Illinois attending Moos School near Humboldt Park, class of ‘51. He graduated high school from Lane Tech in 1955 and continued his education at Crane Junior College and DeVry Institute. Together with his wife, Sandy, they owned and operated a neighborhood convenience store at the SE corner of Washtenaw and Wabansia. Jim and Sandy raised their children in this close-knit neighborhood in NW Chicago among many extended family members and close friends.

The Curtis family moved to the Chicago suburb of Carpentersville in 1968 when Jim began his long career with Motorola. The family then relocated to Coral Springs, Florida in 1971 as part of a Motorola transfer to their new facility in Sunrise, Florida. Jim and Sandy both lived out their days in the same house they purchased in 1971.

During his middle age, Jim was an avid tennis player, winning dozens of tournaments and trophies. He enjoyed crossword and jigsaw puzzles, brain teasers, Jeopardy, and anything else that would challenge his mind.

During his long successful career with Motorola, Jim was awarded 5 patents as a Senior Product Designer. After 34 years with Motorola, he retired in 2002 at the age of 65. Both Jim and Sandy were career Motorolans, and active members of the Motorola Recreation committee and later the Motorola Retiree Club.

Upon retirement, ever nostalgic for the good old days, Jim drew on his experience publishing a newsletter for his high school graduating class while helping to organize the 40-year reunion for the “Lane Tech Guys of ‘55”. He thought, wouldn’t it be great if there could be something similar for his middle school? So, Jim created a newsletter for Moos elementary-middle school alumni and neighborhood kids. Jim was writer, researcher, historian, editor in chief, and publisher of “Moosmates”. From the first edition in July 2002, through number 74 in December 2023, with a distribution of several hundred including classmates, teachers, family, friends, and acquaintances, Moosmates brought joy to so many, bonding a community based on shared experience, fond memories, and goodwill.

The highlight of this community was the Moos Jamboree in June 2011. Over 100 Moosmates gathered at the school, to reunite, reminisce, and tour the old neighborhood, culminating in a banquet dinner and reunion. All coordinated, facilitated, and organized by Jim.

A dedicated husband, father, and friend, Jim always put others first. His positive disposition, sense of humor, and generosity are legendary and well known to anyone whose life he touched. Always with a smile, a joke, and a Werther’s original for everyone he encountered along the way.

Jim was a great role model and one of a kind. He will be sorely missed by those left behind on this earth and warmly embraced by loved ones that have gone before.

Jim will rest at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery in North Lauderdale, Florida, alongside his beloved wife, Sandy; and their cherished daughter, Lisa.

Friends and family are welcome to share thoughts or memories with his son, Brian, by reaching out at 954-802-3840 or [email protected]