Rochester, NY: On October 6, 2023, James “Jim” Paul Kurycki lost his battle for life.
Jim was born on January 26, 1954. From his early life in Rochester, Jim’s interests always seemed to involve fire trucks and the fire service. Birthday and Christmas gifts were always fire-related. Fire trucks, helmets, puzzles, books. He even received a Keystone ride-on water tower toy truck. Anytime he heard sirens coming from Clinton Avenue or downtown, he was out of the house with his Kodak Brownie camera. At age 16 he joined Barnard Fire Explorers, becoming their advisor when he aged out. In the ‘80s Jim purchased a home near Churchville and immediately joined the Churchville Volunteer Fire Department. From that point on the Churchville Fire Dept and Kodak were his life.
In 1989 Jim married Maria Kiereck, and together they served their communities. They were blessed with two children, Michael and John. Michael and Maria were also members of the Churchville Volunteer Fire Dept.
Jim always loved being on the front lines and kept his head in dangerous situations even during his time as Chief. After 40 years in the service, he was forced to slow down because of medical reasons but continued proving his love for the fire industry through his years of training younger generations in Fire Safety, Pump Operations, Fire Prevention etc. Fire Prevention month was another love of Jims and bringing Fire Safety education to area schools. This was his true passion – home safety and firematics during October Fire Safety Open Houses, showing people the proper use of fire extinguishers and home fire safety.
Jim lost his life partner Maria in 2010 and his son Michael in 2019, but still continued to be involved in both the modern fire service and the historical fire service. Jim was a National Director of The Society for the Preservation and Appreciation of Antique Motorized Fire Apparatus in America. Jim also was the current President of the Genesee Valley Chapter of SPAAMFAA.
He will be missed not only by his family but the communities and organizations that he served.
In Lieu of flowers, please send donations to Camp Good Days & Special Times and/or Genesee Valley Chapter of SPAAMFAA.
Jim’s Celebration of life will be held on November 18th, 2023 at the Churchville Volunteer Fire Dept, 24 Washington St, Churchville, NY 14428. The service will start at 10am. After service and soft reset, Food and Beverages will be available. Fritz’s Polka band will be playing from Noon-2pm. Feel free to bring an old truck/car if not winterized as Jim did love old iron!