James A. Heuser

James “Jim” Albert Heuser (AKA: Gentleman Jim, Jim Dandy, Pockets) laid down his magic wand and exited stage left for his final curtain call on Friday, September 18, 2020, after a full and exciting 91 years on earth. He was a resident of Independence Hall of Wilton Manors, Florida.

Jim was born in Worcester, MA to the late Henry Heuser and Evelyn Rector. He was an only child. He was the first in his family to earn a college degree paying his way by working several jobs including being a stand-up comedian and performing magic, a life-long hobby he started at the early age of nine. He graduated from Worcester State Teachers College, which had only recently opened its doors to men, and where he met his future wife, Barbara Marie Carlisle. They were wed on November 11, 1954. Jim later earned a master’s degree in education administration from Boston College.

Jim and his wife Barbara moved from his native Worchester, MA to Pompano Beach in 1957 during a State-wide teacher recruiting campaign. When asked why Pompano, Jim stated, “Broward County offered the best recruitment package”. He started his thirty-year tenure with Broward County Schools as a guidance counselor at Pompano Beach High School in 1957. He would later serve as Guidance Director at Pompano before moving to Deerfield Beach Middle School as Dean of Boys from 1967-1970 and then as Principal from 1970 to 1987. Interestingly, Jim served with a group of educators working with Ms. Blanche E. G. Ely during the integration of Blanche Ely High School and Pompano Beach High School in 1970. He always spoke very highly of Ms. Ely and greatly respected, “her tenacious negotiating skills and strong commitment to her community”. Educating young people was not his only passion.

Jim and Barbara were active parishioners of St. Coleman’s Catholic Church after moving to Pompano Beach. They were a part of a dynamic group of young family parishioners who worked tirelessly with the priests and nuns to raise funds to build St. Coleman’s Church and the K through 8th grade school.

Jim was a successful athlete throughout his life before being curtailed by a serious illness in 1974. He played as well as coached, “the fundamentals” of baseball and basketball. He was a very competitive table tennis and tennis player. He was a baseball coach at Kester Park for many years for the Pompano Beach Little League.

He continued his love of magic through the years. For the All Florida State Magic Conventions, Jim was 1971 Contest Chair, 1976 & 1978 Close-Up Chair, 1980 Master of Ceremonies, 1984 & 1998 Convention Chair with the 1992 Magic Convention dedicated to James (Gentleman Jim). He was the second President of the local chapter of The Fort Lauderdale Magic Society that he helped start along with his close magician friend Paul Diamond in the 1960’s. He was honored with the naming of his own “Gentlemen “Jim Heuser Ring Charter (Ring No. 337 Pompano Beach, Florida) of the International Brotherhood of Magicians in 1999.

Jim was known for his passion for gardening and his love of animals and world history. He was a bibliophile with numerous selves of books on many topics. Many of his books reflected his love for traveling across the United States and Europe, which he did with his wife Barbara and later his daughter Beth backpacking across Europe.

Jim moved into Leisureville in 1999 and became instantly active within the community. He served on the Leisureville Community Association, Inc. for 13 years as President, Vice President, Secretary and Garden Chairman (surprise surprise)!! He was known to hand deliver the monthly newsletter in order to meet with and communicate personally with each of the residents carrying their ideas and concerns to the Board. Jim loved to be around people and be surrounded by his extensive family.

Jim is survived by his three children, for whom he was extremely proud, Jamey, Mark and Beth; his loving grandchildren, Joelle, Jaclyn, Meghan, Johnny, James, Taylor, Bobby and Colleen as well as his adorable great grandson, Jayce. Additionally, his fabulous in laws: John Szerdi, Leslie (Aberwald) and Bob Aseere and his stepsister Ellen Choiniere.

Jim was preceded in death by his lovely wife Barbara and stepmother Lillian Heuser.

Per Jim’s request, there will be no Wake or Funeral. Jim will be interred next to his wife Barbara at the Pompano Beach Cemetery at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Saint Coleman’s School for the student’s library, please contact the Business Office attention to Ms. Susan Jane or donate to The Circus and Traveling Shows Retirement Project, Inc., please contact Jazmyn, Executive Director at 941-363-1813 or [email protected].