Obituary of James W. Kratzer, Sr.

James (Jimmy) William Kratzer, Sr., 70, died on Oct. 27, 2022, at Palm Bay Hospital. He was born Oct. 20, 1952, in Allentown, PA; the son of Walter (Sonny) R. Kratzer, Jr and Althea Bennett Kratzer.

Jim graduated from William Allen High School, Class of 1971. Following graduation, he proudly served with the US Air Force from 1971-1975. After his service he married the love of his life Debra. They celebrated 48 years of marriage in July. Jim was a loyal and active member of the United Auto Workers Local 5841. He retired from Mack Truck Incorporated after decades of service. Later in life he pursued a career in real estate until his illness. Not only did Jim love spending time with his family, he loved trout fishing, camping, driving his 1977 Corvette, and simply traveling to new destinations with his wife.

Surviving in addition to his wife, Debra, are his three children whom he loved dearly. Jill (Paul) O'Dell of West Columbia, SC. James (Renee) Kratzer of Loris, SC. Justin (Kellie) Kratzer of Murrells Inlet, SC. His siblings: Sonny (Lawanna) Kratzer of California, Michele (Rudi) George of Pennsylvania, Craig (Patti) Kratzer of Florida, Valerie Kratzer of Pennsylvania. Jim also loved and was so proud of his seven grandchildren: Rachel, Evan, Kennedi, Sydney, Braxton, Cole, and Dax.

A service of remembrance will be held at 9:15 am Thursday November 3rd at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery 5525 US Highway 1 North, Mims, Florida 32754.

Those who wish to remember Jim in a special way may make gifts in his memory to the American Lung Association.