1927-2020
James D. Straup passed away on August 08 at the Larsen Pavilion at Shell Point Retirement Community in Fort Myers FL in the care of Hope Hospice. He was a member of St. Columbkille Catholic Church. He was born and raised in Palmerton PA. He was the son of Wesley and Alma (Lutz) Straup. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Patricia (McLaughlin) and their son, Jeffrey J. Straup.
Jim served in the Army Air Corp during WW2 with the 3RD Reconnaissance Squadron on Guam.
In 1951 he married Patricia and settled in Allentown PA starting in sales for Westinghouse working throughout the Northeast in PA, Del, New York, Conn, and New Jersey. When Jim decided to take early retirement in 1985, he was Northeast Purchasing Manager for Westinghouse.
After moving to Cape Coral, Florida, Jim kept working; first in security for Cape Coral Hospital, and later at Cypress Cove Community in Fort Myers.
He loved his boat “The Patsy Anne”, flying ultra lite planes, cruising and traveling the world.
In 1999 Jim and Pat moved to Shell Point where they actively volunteered for the Island. Jim’s favorite job was as volunteer captain for “The Suzy Q” guest boat, piloting Shell Point residents and their guests across the Caloosahatchee River for lunch and nature tours of the area.
Jim is survived by his niece, Mary Leu Pappas and her family; Nephew, George Foulsham ; and by his daughter in law, Valerie Straup. He is survived also by his vast family of friends who will love and miss him always.
Jim will be laid to rest in Towamensing Cemetery in Palmerton, PA.
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