James Brian Kuhnsman's Obituary
James Brian Kuhnsman of Columbus, Ohio who recently moved from southern California, died on Friday March 3, 2023 of Parkinson’s dementia at age 80.
He was born in Germantown Philadelphia and was raised in Allentown, PA. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Lafayette College and his Master’s from The Ohio State University in education. He had several different occupations all in the name of service to his community including social worker, special education teacher, family intervention specialist, camp director, substance abuse counselor and motivational speaker. In retirement, he owned a bed and breakfast in Soldotna, Alaska for 8 years with his wife and loved entertaining their guests with stories and jokes.
James met and married the love of his life Sue in New York City. They were married for 52 years and shared many adventures together. Their mantra was, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” Sue was his adoring caregiver for 9 years before he passed. Their love song was Simon and Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water and it defined their never ending love through many of life’s ups and downs.
He loved to teach, laugh and cry, tell stories, watch sports while yelling at the tv and eat pasta. He sought peace in nature. He lived life robustly and with deep passion.
James was an avid volunteer with Meals on Wheels, Big Brothers Big Sisters, United Way, Special Olympics, and at Scripps hospital ICU.
He is preceded in death by Elizabeth Kuhnsman his mother, Orrin Kuhnsman his adopted father, James Toner his biological father and Robert Kuhnsman his brother. He is survived by his wife Sue Anne, son Brett James Brian Kuhnsman, daughter Bernadette Donovan (Todd), daughter Megan Kuhnsman (Quynn Gierlowski) and his 2 grandchildren Quinlan and Bexley Donovan.
The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the administration and staff at Mother Angeline McCrory Manor. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift in his honor to Mother Angeline McCrory Manor.
The family will have a private ceremony to honor his life in the Upper Peninsula, MI where he found so much peace. They welcome you to share your own stories and memories with them to be read at his ceremony.
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