James C. Kraus left this world the evening of August 26, 2016 to be with his Lord and Savior. Though we grieve the loss of his presence, we know he is with us still. His ever smiling face will never be forgotten.

Jim was born in Detroit, Michigan on December 11, 1920 to Margaret (Condne) and Charles A. Kraus. He is predeceased by his parents and eight brothers and sisters. His dearly beloved wife, Marie, of 69 years, died in August of 2015.

Surviving are daughters, Mary Lynn Yencik (John) of Sunset Beach, NC and Ann Marie Douglas (James) of Greenville, SC; and a son James Michael Kraus (Joann) of Broomall, PA; six grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He also leaves his dear baby sister, Josetta Howes of Novi, MI and many, many nieces and nephews.

Jim graduated from Detroit Business University in 1941 and began working for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Detroit. He spent several months on assignment in Cuba and Venezuela as the US entered WWII. He left the FBI to enlist in the US Army and served from 1944 to 1946. He then returned to the FBI and continued his education, becoming a Special Agent in 1955. He was then transferred to Georgia and later New Jersey. In 1969 Jim was called to FBI Headquarters in Washington, DC where he worked until his retirement in 1976.

In his younger years, Jim was an avid baseball player, bowler and golfer. He gave up playing golf just a few years ago. He enjoyed old movies and almost any sporting event on TV, but most of all, he enjoyed being with family and friends.

He was a lifetime member of the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI. He was also a member of American Legion Post 503.

Jim and Marie left their home of 46 years in northern Virginia and moved to North Carolina in May of 2015. Many new friends were made in such a short period of time.

Jim was a gentleman in the true sense of the world. He had a great sense of humor and a smile for everyone. His mission in life was to put a smile on the face of everyone he met. Those who had the good fortune to know him only have to think of him, and they cannot help but smile.

A Mass in Celebration of Life will be offered on Tuesday, October 4, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church in Shallotte, NC. He will be laid to rest at St. Brendan Columbarium alongside “his girl”. Family will receive friends at 9:30 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry at St. Brendan Church PO Box 2984, Shallotte, NC 28459.