James A. Kruse, 81, of Palacios passed away July 26, 2016. He was born April 1, 1935 in Thomaston, Texas to the late William Frank Kruse and Sadie Mae DeDear Kruse.

James grew up in Palacios and had many stories of the days when as a young boy, soldiers from Camp Hulen filled the streets. As a teen, he worked at two of the local movie theaters and graduated from Palacios High school in 1952. He proudly served in the US Army in Korea where he met and married the love of his life, Yung Hi "Mickey" Kruse, in 1960. He faithfully attended Our Redeemer Lutheran church. James worked as a machinist at Alcoa for 30 years and spent evenings and weekends fixing appliances all over town. Many times he would be paid in garden vegetables. He enjoyed fishing, karaoke, and played many musical instruments with his brothers and often with local greats such as Tommy Tolleson. He was a kind man loved by many and always willing to help. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years Yung Hi "Mickey" Kruse of Palacios; son Jamie Kruse and his wife Haley of Palacios and four grandchildren Tristan, Steffen, Ashtyn and Brooklyn Kruse.

The family will receive friends and relatives from 4PM until 6PM Sunday, July 31 at Palacios Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 3:00 PM Monday, August 1, 2016 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with Pastor Boineau officiating. Interment will follow at Palacios Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Dalton Mangum, Mark Schuhsler, Raymond Samora, Frank Kinkead, Roy Ryman, Tommy Kidd Jr.