James Cruise Obituary

James(Jim) Franklin Cruise, age 73, passed away peacefully at his sister Nelva Coleman's home on July 20, 2025, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his family who loved him and cared for him during the duration of his illness and his treatment here in the New River Valley. Jim, son of John and Lula Cruise, was born on October 13,1951 in Christiansburg, Virginia. He grew up in Newport, Virginia, attended Giles High School, and then pursued an undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech in civil engineering. After graduating from Virginia Tech, Jim continued his educational endeavors obtaining a master's degree and doctorate degree in civil engineering from the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech respectively. Jim started his engineering career as a young man, with the United States Army Corps of Engineers. During this time, Jim lived in Baltimore, Maryland, and then later moved to Charleston, South Carolina. Soon after, he began his teaching career as a professor at the University of Louisiana. Most recently, Jim resided in Huntsville, Alabama, where he taught and conducted research for the University of Alabama, Huntsville. Jim's dedication and contributions to his field earned him the distinct honor of Professor Emeritus. When Jim wasn't teaching or conducting research, he was an active member of his community and his church. He loved music, especially traditional country and bluegrass. He frequented the local Newport Community Friday night bluegrass jam sessions, loved Floyd Fest and went to any other regional Bluegrass festival he could find. If you were driving in Jim's car, you were listening to Bluegrass. Come fall, Jim could be seen jumping to Metallica in Lane Stadium. His fall wardrobe consisted of mostly maroon and orange Hokie logo gear! Occasionally he would sneak in a Giles Spartans t-shirt, but for the most part he was all in for the Hokies! He rarely missed a Hokie football game or pre-game tailgate. He was a loyal and very vocal fan! His enthusiasm for Hokie sports carried over to men's and women's basketball. Even though his health was compromised, he was always there rooting on his teams. Despite his many professional accomplishments, Jim's greatest accomplishment was his love and dedication to his family. He was a devoted brother to his sisters Midge and Iris, and his brothers Glenn and Benny. He was adored and admired by his many nieces and nephews, and their spouses who fondly referred to him as "UJ" or "Uncle Hucky." Jim is preceded in death by his parents, John and Lula Cruise; his sister, Sharon Gay Cruise; and his brother-in-law, Edward (Bill) Coleman, Sr. He is survived by his brother Walter (Glenn) Cruise and wife Lee; his sisters Nelva (Midge) Coleman and Iris Cruise; and his brother Benny Cruise and wife Kimberlee (Kim) Young. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and great nephews, including Bobby Cruise and wife Upa, and their children Nathan and Jovan; Jenny Cruise and husband Rob; Curt and Amber and Curt's son, Tyler, and his children Castiel and Elijah; Vera and her daughter Kasey; Dakota and Tanner. He also leaves behind many good friends and extended family, especially Susan Cruise, mother of Dakota and Tanner; and Crystal Coleman, mother of Tyler; all of whom meant so much to him. The family invites you to join them in remembering Jim. They will be receiving visitors this Thursday, July 24, 2025 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Kendall Funeral Home in Pembroke, Virginia. A funeral service will be conducted on Friday, July 25, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Sherry Memorial Christian Church. Funeral services will conclude in the Lucas Family Cemetery in Newport, Virginia where he will be laid to rest. A guestbook is available to send condolences to the family by visiting www.kendallfuneralhome.com. The staff of Kendall Funeral Home are honored to serve the Cruise Family.