JAMES H. KURLAND

I am still in shock that Jimmy is no longer with us. What a warm and powerful presence he was. My heart goes out to his sister Susan, his nephew and niece, his talented sons, and his partner Linda.

I am deeply saddened that my childhood friend is no longer with us... May his warmth and wit remain in our hearts forever.

Jim and myself were friends at Berwick Academy in the 1960's. Rest in peace "Cry'in Charlie".

Siste Viator

A Most Fortunate Friendship

Of life's intersections, many are improbable, few most fortunate. My meeting Jimmy through professional circles by a mutual dear friend, was a most-fortunate intersection. Our first day bestowed a steadfast friendship. Of life's gifts, perhaps the better part of one's life, consists of the stuff of friendship.
My life is richer for my friendship with Jimmy. Perhaps Jimmy is a giant when measured by his love of living, his unconditional, fierce love of his family and friends. He brought into all of our lives, thoughtfulness, integrity, kindness, humor, and loyalty, unshakable loyalty. Any outing with Jimmy, he was always attentive, and meaningful; chock full of intelligent conversation, humor, an infectious ebullience for life. Of the conversation, always provocative, never mundane, and perhaps best described as marathon in nature, spanning the gamut; from the philosophical to the purest levels of school-boy silliness. If humor, storytelling, and an ebullience for life, is measured by intelligence, Jimmy was a virtuoso. This most-fortunate friend will miss conversations with Jimmy, utterly so
Jimmy died, not as he lived, rather, quietly, perhaps resigned, constrained by a long bout with illness, a weakened frame. Yet, he was characteristically, strong to the end, sturdy in his love of those left behind. Jimmy was reluctant to leave; that reluctance a boundless, and cherished compliment to all his family and friends. Perhaps Jimmy's reluctance to leave, was his Benediction.
It is God to whom we now commend our Jimmy. May the Angels in Heaven greet him with a thousand clarion shouts: Welcome Home.
This friend will miss, deeply, A Most Fortunate Friendship.
Siste Viator
John Nelson Ferrara

So Saddened to learn of Jim's passing. Never at a loss for words,Jim had a special place in his heart for Berwick Academy! He invited me to go to Temple one Friday night in Dover since it was"a good place to meet girls"!....that way also fulfilled my religious obligation to attend Mass on Sunday and Avoid Study Hall on Fri. Night!!! Always thinking that Lad! He nicknamed me Bunya (which I never knew the meaning of til watching an Episode of The Sopranos)...LOL! Rest In Peace Old Friend

Ed likes to say that Jim was his friend and his cousin through marriage, so I guess I could say that I am Jim's cousin and his friend through marriage.

I have loads of family memories: Passover Seders, Thanksgiving dinners, Rosh Hashanah meals and break fasts at his family home on Payson Road and at ours on Karen Road. I also have loads of friend memories: Superbowl parties, New Year's Eve parties, summer BBQ's and of course the Funster events. I have one very special memory of Jim performing a magic trick in front of the wait staff at a restaurant in Mashpee. I'll just call the trick "pinky" and leave it at that. ;-)

Jim he loved his family like they were his friends and he loved his friends like they were his family. Yes, I am his cousin and I became his friend through marriage, but he treated all of his cousins like they were his good friends and he treated all of his friends like they were his family.

Jim was a huge presence in our family and among his friends. His absence leaves an enormous hole. Jim, I love you and I will miss you. ~Judela

To the entire family, specifically Zack and Ben: your father will always hold a special place in our hearts whether it be on the sidelines of one the Fessenden fields or bumping into one another around town. Jim raised two extraordinary young men and supported each in their different paths as adults - his love for you both and everything you put your energy into was always front and center. Rest easy Jim, your energy for all aspects of life will forever be remembered.

Condolences from The Goodrich Family

It was on a UJA Mission to Israel in 1976 that we met Jimmy. The people on the back of the bus seemed to be enjoying themselves so much that we decided to move back there and join them. It was Jimmy who was keeping them entertained. It was on that trip that we made a friend for life.

In the years following, we shared so many wonderful moments including the births of Zach and Ben, their Bar Mitzvahs, his success with JC Penny, his political involvements, his absolute adoration for the Mishkin Tefila community who honored him with the blowing of the shofar. We also tasted those very fattening Baker Boys chocolate chip cookies while we were witness to his magic tricks, and the celebrity letter game he created. We spent many weekends with Jimmy visiting us in Katonah. He was a part of our family throughout the years attending our simchas too. Jimmy was always the life of the party.

He was a loyal and loving son and father, a caring brother and a loving partner to Linda who shared the good times and shouldered the bad with such grace. We feel fortunate to have been able to call Jimmy our friend and we along with so many he touched will miss him deeply. Our heartfelt condolences to Linda, Zach, Ben, Susan, Rachel and Jonathan.

Marsha & Joey Dick

To my cousin Linda, so sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was always entertaining and fun to be around. We knew he had many health issues but he always had a smile on his face. Hugs and prayers to you...Sandi and Ernie

The Lenfest family extends our heartfelt condolences and will remember Jim as the great host of barbecues at his house and dedication to his sons and friends. Rick, Katy, Ryan, Collin and Conor

Dear Zack and Ben:

Bryan, Julia and I have fine memories of Jim. He was the life of the party and always kidding around. Remembering all of his accomplishments and everything he did for others was exceptional.

I, personally, will never forget our trip to Cancun and our day trip to Chichen Itza, as well as the football game at USC when Jim was hoisted by the students after USC got the touchdown and won!

Jim is in our hearts forever. With our love, Kathleen, Bryan and Julia.

I have been thinking about Jim a lot lately. He served on our Board (Friends of Boston's Homeless) for over 2 decades. When Boston's Long Island Bridge abruptly closed in 2014, creating a crisis that displaced hundreds of people experiencing homelessness, Jim jumped in immediately and started reaching out to local businesses and corporations to enlist their help. He secured so much assistance for the really vulnerable people who were already struggling before that crisis and made connections that are still with us today, helping us get through this current public health emergency. He helped, and continues to help, save the lives of the vulnerable in our community. I am so grateful to him and will always remember him (and his delicious cookies he used to bring to our Board meetings). Mariann Bucina Roca, Executive Director

I would like to send my deep condolences to the Kurland family, especially to Zack and Ben. Jim was a very supportive parent at Fessenden, and I always looked forward to his visits to the Upper School. His warmth and spirit will be greatly missed.

I knew Jim when he was a young ambitious politician and helped him in his Congressional Campaign. WE were at the time both young members of the Town Meeting in Brookline.
I will remember him as someone who always looked out for the little guy, had exceptional values and a good sense of humor. It's a shame we didn't keep in touch.

April 27,2020
I first met Jim when we were both freshmen at Berwick Academy in 1963. We were on a few athletic and intramural together, and although he and I were not the greatest of athletes, we certainly had our share of fun. Both of us were able to be the few BA graduates that attended for 4 years.
I did lose contact with him over the years but did see him at reunions either at the school or at other places. The one reunion that I most enjoyed was when he had it at his place of business many years ago It attracted many BA alumni which included many classes. When I saw him at this reunion, Jim told me how proud his parents were of him as to what had accomplished and rightfully so.
I want to give my condolences to Ben, Zak, Susan, Linda, and the rest of Jim's family. You will be missed by all of us.

For my love of my life, I light a candle. Please rest peacefully... No more pain..
I have wonderful memories I will keep close to my heart.
You are a kind, loving and gregarious soul....bigger than life
Love you for eternity
Your Sweetie

It seems like Jim and I have been friends since birth. When I'd cut through the woods behind my house I'd wind up at his house. Our adventures when we were young are not suitable for this family forum.

Jim visited me often when I first moved to Southern California as he was doing business with Disney and other So Cal base companies. He got me an interview with a friend of his at Disney which ultimately led to being hired by the Home Video Promotions Department. Jim literally taught me how to write extremely professional letters and he even rewrote my resume so that, as he said, "It popped." When I got the job Jim flew to NY, where Disney had sent me to attend the Toy Fair, to congratulate me and celebrate with me in person.

Jim and I went fishing in La Paz in the Northern Baja and he busted my chops for losing a big tuna after fighting with it for over an hour. Later, after he hooked and landed a nice sized tuna, he turned to me and said, That's how it's done. He then took a nap---lol. Later that night he complained that his arms were so sore from fishing that he couldn't lift them to comb his hair or brush his teeth.

From 1999 on Jim fought off various illnesses with a courage that few could ever muster as he remained optimistic and hopeful. This last physical challenge was just too much.

Jim was a real character and he will certainly be missed by all who knew him.

Love,
Your friend and cousin via my marriage to Judy,
Eddie