James B Curtis

CURTIS - James B. Curtis, 89, a resident of Albuquerque for many years, passed away on July 18, 2009. He was born September 24, 1919, in Marlborough, Massachusetts. Jim grew up in Marlborough and Grand Rapids, Michigan. Later he lived in Arizona for a few years. Jim came to Albuquerque in early February 1962, for his marriage to Jane Henry. Just one week after the ceremony they and two friends, Bill and Virginia Jackson, bought an Industrial Supply Business - later named Desert Industrial. It was a big success. He also became involved in community affairs, serving as president of the NM Business Manufacturers Assn., now known as Assn. of Commerce & Industry. Jim served in World War II in the Air Corp. He was a member of the Albuquerque Elks Lodge, Immanuel Presbyterian Church, and the Chaparral RV Club. Jim was a man of many talents. He was a skilled woodworker, working many hours in his home workshops. Jim also built a 1929 Mercedes Roadster and a two seater airplane. He learned to fly and obtained a student pilots licenses at age 76. Jim is survived by his wife, Jane, a sister, Virginia Clark, of Marlborough, MA; a son, Jimmy in Phoenix, AZ; a daughter, Susan Nesmith and her husband, Les, and their son, Justin of Sun City, AZ. His Albuquerque survivors are sons, John David Henry and his wife Pauline, Steven E. Henry and his wife, Beverlee, Jeffrey P. Henry and his wife, Melissa; grandchildren, David Howell, Sandra Hughes, Deborah Johnson, Kari Bloom, Stewart Henry, David Henry, Brian Henry, Cody Henry, Preston Henry; and many great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his son, Thomas Henry. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Meals on Wheels, 5701 Harper Road, Albuquerque, NM, 87109. James' care has been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 7601 Wyoming Blvd, NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 (505) 821-0010