James L. Kaufman

James “Jim” Kaufman, 69, of Nokomis, Florida, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep on June 16, 2025.

Jim was born on February 15, 1956, in Buffalo, New York, and moved to Florida at age 11, where he graduated from Venice High School in 1974. He was proud to be the first person inducted into the school’s Wrestling Hall of Fame and remained a dedicated supporter of Venice High athletics throughout his life. One of his proudest moments was watching his son, Jason, pitch for Venice High School’s baseball team and helping lead them to a state championship win in 2008.

Jim was known for his hardworking nature, humor, and unwavering love for his family. He owned and operated Kaufman Masonry before retiring and influencing the lives of many as a camp counselor at the YMCA. He had a deep passion for sports, especially cheering on the Florida Gators and the New York Yankees, and he loved collecting sports memorabilia with his son, Jason. He and his long-term partner Cathy shared a passion for travel and baseball and were working their way through a bucket list goal of visiting every Major League Baseball stadium and were about halfway through the list. He also had a soft side—not many knew how much he genuinely loved the movie Mamma Mia. Jim was a man of routine and purpose, finding comfort and pride in the structure he created in his daily life. He was happiest when spending time with his grandsons, Rylan and Levi, who lovingly knew him as Papa.

He is survived by his longtime partner, Cathy Bruce; his son, Jason Kaufman (Brittni); and his grandsons, Rylan and Levi. He is also survived by his brother, Mark Kaufman (Doris); his sister, Darlene Deao; sister-in-law, Dawn Kaufman; and nephew, Daniel Kaufman. Jim also shared a deep and loving bond with Cathy’s family, who became an extension of his own. He cared for her children, Robert Bruce (Jessica) and Ashley Insalaco (Marc), and he found great joy in being a grandfather figure to Maverick, Maddie, and Greysen. In addition to his immediate and extended family, Jim leaves behind many close friends who will deeply miss his warmth, loyalty, and sense of humor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester Kaufman and Joan Walsh, and his brother, Dennis Kaufman.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, July 12th, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Venice High School new gymnasium, 1 Indian Way, Venice, FL 34285.

South, Venice, FL. All who knew and loved Jim are welcome to come and share memories.

Please keep our family in your thoughts as we honor and remember the life of a truly great man.