James (Jim) Robert Agruso, 63, of League City, Texas entered eternal life on November 30, 2014 after falling victim to a long bout with every disease known to man. He was affectionately referred to as Montgomery Burns from “The Simpson’s” by his two sons because of his ability to endure the adverse circumstances of his multiple health issues. Due to his big heart, rambunctiousness, free spirit and laser-like focus on achieving whatever was in his mind, the community gave him many nicknames over the years such as Lion, Red, brother, and probably a few less flattering names. His stomach always had a mind of its own with frequent late night gumbo and other improvised cooking sessions in his home’s kitchen.
Jim was born on August 26, 1951 to Joseph and Aldona Agruso and grew up in La Marque, Texas with his two brothers, Joseph and Michael, and one sister, Donna Marie. He earned a legendary reputation for his rebellious nature until joining the Coast Guard and serving the United States of America while being stationed in New Orleans, LA and Honolulu, HI. While in the Coast Guard, he helped save over 40 lives as a medic in the rescue of an Italian ship that exploded into flames in the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
Following the Coast Guard, Jim studied every intellectual offering from the University of Houston and College of the Mainland before eventually ending up as an engineer at Lockheed Martin. At Lockheed Martin, he worked on developing functionality of the robotic arm of the eventual Space Station until the Challenger space shuttle explosion resulted in an abrupt end to his engineering career. He also served as a teacher to high school students over the years.
Before health issues took their course, he dreamed of becoming a barbeque master chef by developing his own brand of BBQ sauce affectionately known as “Uncle Jim’s BBQ”. While the concept never took off, his savory BBQ recipe and off-beat labeling were legendary amongst his local community, family and friends with frequent tastings offered at every opportunity. Jim was an active member of the Lion’s Club in which he was very active in giving his full effort to help disabled and diabetic children go to camp every year.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Aldona. He is survived by his lovely wife, Patty; his two sons, the bald and beautiful Paul and wife Katy of Plano, TX and the tall and less balding Scott and wife Kelly of League City, TX; three grandchildren Teresa, David and Jacob; his two brothers Joseph and his wife Donna, and Michael and his wife Virginia; his sister Donna Marie; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his beloved canine companion Bella.
Memorial services will be held Friday, December 5th at 5:30 pm at Hope Lutheran Church (1804 S. Friendswood Drive) in Friendswood, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal School of Nassau Bay, TX