KURAS – James Timothy "Gentle Giant" suddenly April 17, 2022 at the age of 52. Son of Patricia Cheryl (Austin) and the late Norman Lee Kuras Sr., Brother of Norman Lee Kuras Jr., Michelle Mary Badawiyeh and William Walter (Niki) Kuras. Loved Uncle to Michael P. Sikora and  Lloyd (Nina) Austin. Also survived by his Nieces and Nephews Alexis, Zaid, Danya, Taj, Kyce, Selena and Jodie. He was a BOCES teacher of Culinary arts, fishing, and gardening. He loved ceramic ducks, drawing ducks, raising them and also Walt Disney's  famous Donald Duck. He won 1 ^st place many times in New York State ProStart Restaurant State and National events. He was so proud of his students and won teacher of the year. He finished 1 ^st place at Taste of Education numerous times due to his students. He lived for all the kids who went through Culinary arts and also loved his dog Phoenix so much. In Lieu of flowers, friends are invited to make a donation to Erie 2 BOCES Educational Foundation 8685 Erie Rd. Angola, NY 14006 C/O Chef Jim Scholarship. A Celebration of life will be held from 2-5 PM May 7 ^th at the Well that Never Runs Dry 10489 Main St. North Collins, NY. Arrangements by Wentland Funeral Home North Collins, NY. Condolences may be made at www.wentlandfuneralhome.com.