James G. Kus ’76

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of James Gregory Kus. On Jan. 29, 2023, James went home to be with the Lord.

James was born on May 20, 1951 to Joseph and Sophie. James graduated from Winthrop High School and went on to Maine Maritime Academy where he graduated in 1976. Just a year after, he was a third mate on the “Arco Juneau”. That was the first ship to carry Alaskan pipeline oil from Valdez, Alaska. Tankers were scheduled to deliver Alaskan crude to refineries in Washington, California, and Texas—the last via the Panama Canal.

James was a “Jack of all trades” and was always ready to tackle any project.

He is survived by his loving wife, Dawn; and daughter, Jamilee; two beautiful grandchildren, Jasmine and Jace, who called him “Popo”; his siblings, Joan Chane, Crawford and wife, Beth, David and wife, Julie, Thomas and wife, Alice, Joseph, Robert and wife, Tina, and Catherine Douglas and husband, Steven. Many brothers and sisters-in-law; and many nieces, nephews; cousins; and friends.

James is deeply loved, and will be missed beyond words, and will never be forgotten.