Mr. James "Jim" Krutza

Funeral services for Mr. James “Jim” Krutza, 94, of Carthage, Texas will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, April 6, 2026 at First Baptist Church of Carthage with Rev. Scott Schulik and Rev. Jeff Armstrong officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Restland Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Hawthorn Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 10 – 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. James Philip “Jim” Krutza was born on September 19, 1931 on a farm in Starke County, Indiana, 5 miles North of Judson, Indiana to Romeo P. and Elizabeth Ann Schnekel Krutza and passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2026 in Carthage. Jim was in the United States Air Force for 4 years during the Korean War where he was an Aircraft Mechanic Instructor. He was stationed at Shepherd Air Force Base in Texas. He met LaVern A. Harbeck on a blind date at a Halloween party at church in Chicago, IL in 1950, and they later married on May 9, 1953. Jim attended Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL and graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Music Degree in 1960. Also, he went to Bible Baptist Seminary in Arlington, Texas and North American Baptist Seminary in Jacksonville, Texas, where he also taught. For over 60 years, Jim served 7 churches in Texas and Louisiana as a Minister of Music, Education Director and Sunday School Superintendent. He loved to sing for the Lord. He also led music in many revivals throughout his ministry. He was a Gallean sponsor and a member of Gideon’s International for over 40 years and received his lifetime membership for his service. Jim owned several businesses. He was a building contractor, then specialized in energy products which became known as Energy Exteriors, he sold instruments and music at Carthage Music Center, and co-owned Kountry Fresh Pizza with LaVern for over 24 years. He was of the Baptist faith and faithfully served the Lord all of those years, recently being a member of Mobberly Baptist Church in Longview, Texas. Mr. Krutza was preceded in death by LaVern Krutza, loving wife of 67 plus years; brother, William Krutza; sisters, Lois Hill, June Krutza and Florence Moore; granddaughter, Lauren Krutza, grandson Josh Krutza; and son-in-law, David Kuykendall. Together, he and LaVern had six children, one of which, Mark Allen Krutza, passed away two days after birth. He is survived by his children, Jim Kurtza (Linda) of Bowling Green, KY, Becky Britt (Steve) of Shreveport, LA, Paul Ktutza (Marti) of Bullard, Cheryl Kuykendall of Longview and Yvonne Krutza of Carthage; grandchildren, Drew (Amanda) Krutza of Bowling Green, KY, Katie (Dan) Dillingham of Bowling Green, KY, Daniel (Ciara) Britt of Shreveport, LA, Michelle Krutza of Fayetteville, AR, Rachel (Nathan) Bianco of Nashville, TN and Emily Kuykendall of Lubbock; great grandchildren, Calvin, Silas, Charlotte, Liza, Lawson and Lee. He is also survived by Hershey, his rescue dog who was his caregiver, and faithful friend, along with many nieces, nephews and a host of friends. The family would like to express their appreciation to the Winkler Court Staff for the incredible job they did taking care of their father, and also Heartsway Hospice for the excellent care given. Serving as pallbearers will be Drew Krutza, Daniel Britt, Nathan Bianco, Jason Shoffner, Dale Downing and Randy Downing. Honorary pallbearers will be James Hicks and Mobberly Friendship Sunday School Class. Memorials may be made to Gideon’s International, Mobberly Baptist Church Missions or favorite charity.

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Mr. James "Jim" Krutza

September 19, 1931 - March 31, 2026