James H. Kruse

Mr. James H. Kruse, age 73, of Garrison, Texas, passed away Thursday, May 14, 2015, at Nacogdoches Medical Center. He was a lifelong resident of Nacogdoches County. James was born Feb. 28, 1942 in Houston Texas to parents Jack and Abilene Kruse.

A Funeral Service is scheduled for 2:00 pm on Sunday, May 17, 2015 at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors. Shack Arrington will officiate the service. Honorary Pallbearers will include Stephen Corley, Craig Corley, Carl “Bubba” Fretwell, Arthur Skeeter, Gregg Griffith, Mike Griffith, Mark Griffith, and Ferris Fain. Family and friends are invited to visitation on Saturday, May 16 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. at Cason Monk-Metcalf.

James is preceded in death by his parents; favorite uncle Buddy Barrett; special friend James Griffith. He is survived by the love of his life Barbara Hogan Kruse; sons Lane Kruse and wife Tracie, Lance Kruse and wife Dusty; grandchildren Johna Kruse, Tryton Kruse, Ceale Kruse; special nephews Stephen Corley, Craig Corley; sister-in-law Barbara Ann Corley and husband Wayne; aunts Gaynelle Griffith, Gloria Barrett, and a host of cousins on both sides of the family.

James graduated from Garrison High School in 1961 and attended Panola College. He acquired a job at Moore’s Business Forms and promoted to Maintenance Supervisor until his retirement. From his early years he simply loved farming, gardening and raising cattle. He could raise the best peas in East Texas! He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, western shows and motorized farm equipment. He treasured his “John Deer” Tractor and his “Mule” to help him with his outside projects. James invested in his family and especially his two boys. He would be at every game they were involved in over their growing up years, coaching T-ball to youth baseball, attending sports events. Saturdays were reserved for his own sons to enjoy fishing on Lake Sam Rayburn or Lake Pinkston. James, Lane and Lance would enjoy fishing for a while and then Lance would disappear and eat their prepared lunch provisions! James also made a special investment in his nephews Stephen and Craig Corley’s lives. He was a kind and respectful man that left a great impact on his family and friends and will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to "Class of 1963 Scholarship Fund” for Garrison High School Seniors, % Marie Reneau, 1938 FM 2435, Garrison, Texas, 75946.

Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, located at 5400 North Street in Nacogdoches, Texas.