James D. Strauch

Professor James D. Strauch (Jim) of Storrs, passed away due to heart failure on December 8, 2001 at the age of sixty-seven. Jim was a professor emeritus at the University of Connecticut , Storrs, where he taught in the School of Education for more than 30 years. He was born in Buffalo, NY, graduated from SUNY, Buffalo in 1959, and completed his masters and doctoral work at Syracuse University in 1968. Jim was one of the founders of Hockanum Industries in Vernon, CT a workshop/outreach, and job-training program for people with developmental disabilities. Jim dedicated his professional career to both directly helping, and teaching others to help, people with special needs. Jim leaves behind his loving wife of forty-three years, Catherine, as well as his children, Patrick Strauch and his wife Nancy of Exeter, ME, Liz Strauch-Lackman of Storrs and Mike Strauch of Seattle, WA; and his grandchildren, in order by age, Kate, Tyler, Ryan, Hillary, Kristen, Catherine, Jane and William. He also leaves behind his beloved great aunts Ruth Simpson and Alice Stilwell; his two sisters, Margaret Depowski and Kathy Fare; his brother Tim Strauch, and all of their families, most of whom live in the Buffalo, NY area. And Jim leaves behind his best friends, Chauncy Rucker, Tom Gillung and Dave Riley. Jim loved spending summers with his family in Damariscotta, Maine. Throughout his life, Maine was his favorite retreat, a place where he found tranquility and happiness. His hobbies included playing with his grandchildren whom he adored, tinckering with (and fixing) his family s houses, listening to the blues, and making lists. We trust that his entrance to heaven will be accompanied by a lifetime supply of post-its. He leaves us all with wonderful memories of his wry sense of humor and his occasional outbursts into downright silliness - all the more hilarious because they came from a contemplative man who spent a lot of time thinking and reading about the meaning of life. Fare thee well, Jim/Dad/Pappa. May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, and may the sun shine warm upon your face. His family will receive friends at the Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195) Willimantic on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick-St. Anthony Church, 285 Church St., Hartford. Donations in Jim s memory may be made to UCONN Foundation, J. Strauch Fund, c/o Dean Richard Schwab, NEAG School of Education U-64, 249 Glenbrook Rd., Storrs, CT 06269-2064.