James E. Stutz

James 'Jim' Edward Stutz Sr., 91, of Lake Alfred, Florida, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on April 11, 2015, at Good Shepherd Hospice, Auburndale Florida. He was preceded in death by his daughter Holly Marie Stutz. Jim, a native of New Philadelphia, PA, served in the United States Navy during WWII. He graduated from Kutztown State College in 1968, and received a Master's degree in Education from Rollins College. He taught Science at Northeast and Westwood Junior High Schools, and retired from the Polk County school system in 1988. Jim was an avid sports fan, reader, and a faithful patron of the Lake Alfred library. He was also a devout Catholic and served as a lector at St. Joseph's Catholic Church for many years. However, most of all Jim was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. Family was the center of Jim's life, and nothing made him happier than to have his children and grandchildren pop in. Jim is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ann Klein Stutz, son James Edward (Betsy) Stutz Jr., daughters Suzanne (Freddie) Dengler, and Heather (Robert) Perry, grandchildren Shannon, James III, Seamus, Brendan, Jared, Sean, and Kinsey and many great-grandchildren. A memorial Mass at St. Joseph's Catholic Church will be held at a future date. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Jim's name to Good Shepherd Hospice in Auburndale.