James “Jim” Caruso, age 63 of Eastlake, passed away January 19, 2021 at Hillcrest Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer.
Jim was a barber and owner of Village Salon in Mentor where he enjoyed all of his clients. He was a beloved school bus driver for the Mentor school district and formerly of Painesville school district. He absolutely loved the children he bused, and they loved him.
Jim was loving and giving and would do anything for anyone. He was an avid boater who cherished taking walks with his wife and grandchildren on the beach of Lake Erie. His greatest joy was his grandchildren.
Jim is the loving husband and best friend of Debbie Caruso (nee Knop); dearest step father of William Jenkins and Nicholas (Justine) Jenkins; grandfather of Alberta Louise Jenkins, Nicholas Allen Jenkins, Maycee, Nate and Shawn; son of Tony (Nona) Caruso and Donna (Lou) Thompson; brother of Kim (Nick) Trem, Karen Miller, Caroline (Greg) Suba, Michael Caruso, Mary (John) McKeon, John Caruso, Shelly Thompson and Deanna (Jeff) Morganti; brother in law of Robert (Marty) Knop, William (Francine) Knop and Jeffrey (Terry) Knop; uncle of many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly; loving neighbor of many.
A Funeral Service will be held at Noon Saturday, January 23, 2021 at Willoughby Friends Church, 2846 Som Center Rd., Willoughby Hills. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl1tqqG0ep3EjUuxulMn-7g/featured Masks and social distancing will be required.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lakeview Bible Church, 7510 Reynolds Rd., Mentor OH 44060.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Jeff Monreal Funeral & Cremation Services.
Reader interactions
23 Replies to “James “Jim” Caruso”
We are so very sorry for your loss Debbie. Bob & I were so fortunate to know Jim. He was always making sure everyone was happy. Please know you & your beautiful family are in our thoughts & prayers. Take care – Love Karen & Bob Krivanek
Dearest Brother Jim and Fellow CW! Remembering all our great times together in school and our journey to California together. Living together in LA for 3 years with our family and friends was our reality version of “Friends” long before the TV show was ever created. You are a kind, caring and loyal man. A family man and a praying man. I’m glad we stayed in close contact all these years. Only saying goodbye for now, as I know our faith tells us that we will see each other again. Until then, rest in peace and love you Jimmy!
I am forever grateful to have been blessed with such amazing Grandparents! I miss my Papa so much already ❤️
Kind, caring, giving, humble and funny, this is the Jimmy Caruso that I know. We spent time together when he lived in California for a couple of years in the late 1970’s. God Bless, Jim is how he often closed his texts between us, well God Bless you Jim, Deb, his family and his dear friends that he was so close to. Rest in Peace my friend, you’ll forever be in my fondest thoughts and memories.
I was so sad to hear of Jimmy’s passing. I remember him as a kind, quiet and soft spoken. He was a hard worker and a good friend. May he Rest In Peace.
My heart breaks for you, Debbie and your family but it also breaks for me as I have lost a cherished and dear friend. A man you cared about everyone else before himself was Jim Caruso. I love you and Deb and I was the fortunate one when you came into my life. Peace be with you❤️
We are so saddened to hear of Jim’s passing
Our hearts go out to you, Debbie – and to all of your family.
Jim was always so kind and funny and caring. He will be greatly missed!
Hugs and prayers to you, ❤️❤️❤️
Doug said he will miss all the talks he and Jim had over the last 35 years when Jim was cutting his hair. Jim was a wonderful person will be missed so much. We love you Debbie and will be thinking and praying for you.
I will cherish are walk last Spring. And are great
Times this summer. You truly loved taking us
Out on the lake. And we truly loved the times.
You loved are girls n Debi. But also loved Sophia n
Camille to. He’s an angel watching over us.
Love Ya JIm RIP
We are so sorry that such a great man has left us so soon. Debbie, Bob and I are praying for you and the family. Hope you find peace in the love you had from Jim to keep you strong. Jim will be missed by so many. Sure going to miss that great smile. Jim test in peace my friend. ❤️
A chance walk into your 1st barbershop led to 27 years of haircuts & friendship! Debbie it’s difficult to not think of you as a couple. I believe you were the soul & Jim was the heart of your beautiful relationship. He was always helping people in some way & it was spontaneous! I recall an old brass bell we gave him one year at Christmas & his excitement…….we will never forget him! We are bereft Debbie & pray that God continues to grant you & your family strength. We love you!
Jim was the kindest person, always asking how your day was going. He fought a courageous battle with dignity. He will be greatly missed at Mentor schools
Debbie, We were so sad to learn of Jim’s recent passing and want to express our most sincere condolences to you and your extended families. We had the opportunity to get to know Jim just a little a few years back but not nearly as well as we would have liked. The two of you certainly seemed like a perfect match and obviously had a great relationship. Try to stay strong during this extremely difficult period and please know the two of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
RIP my high school friend. Love, Hugs and Prayers to the family.
We are so saddened by Jim’s passing. He has been a friend for over 40 years. One of the kindest, happiest, selfless people we know. . the memories we made always make us smile…You will never be forgotten my friend… we miss you, we love you and we’ll see you when we get there.
This is such a great picture of Jim – he was always smiling. He was a genuinely loving and caring man. We always had such good conversations while I was getting my hair done. He will be sorely missed. We will keep Debbie and the whole family in our prayers for quite some time. Jim is “home” with his Savior in heaven, in no pain, and enjoying the glories of eternity – but we will have a difficult time here without him.
I don’t even know what to say, Jim was such a kind man. His love for his family, salon and his bus driving job was special. Debbie- you have many people that care for you. My prayers are for you!
Debbie, Nick, Bill and family — we are so very sorry for the loss of your best friend, dad, and cherished family member. We are blessed to have know Jim. He truly made a difference in the lives he touched, including ours. May you feel God’s love around you now and in the years to come, knowing Jim is in Jesus’ arms.
Sorry for Your loss to the Caruso Family
Death leaves a Heartache
No one can Heal
Loves leaves a Memory
No one can Steal
Sorry to hear about Jimmy’s passing. We had a lot of fun together in the late 70’s. We look lots of motorcycle rides, went to Venice Beach to people watch, endless weekends of playing Monopoly. It was the “Friends” version of Saturn Street. We have many fond memories. He was a good friend. RIP Jimmy
My heart aches for you and all of your family. Jim’s smile and caring personality will be things I will always remember. He will be forever missed by so many! Love and hugs to you.
Debbie, Thinking and praying for you and your family in your time of loss and grief.
Deb and family,
I’m so sorry for the loss of wonderful Jim. Sending hugs to all who love him.
Cathie
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