James Robert Caruso

James Robert Caruso passed away on March 25, 2023 at the age of 72 from aggressive bladder cancer. Jim was born in Sellersville, Pennsylvania on October 27, 1950 to Robert and Abbie (Freed) Caruso. He is survived by his wife of 43 years Louise Deer Caruso. His childhood years were spent in Perkasie, PA, but enjoyed summer vacations in Eastham with his parents and his brothers. During high school Jim worked in a handbell foundry, and also was a runner for his father’s dental lab. After high school graduation Jim and his friend Jerry backpacked for three months in several countries in Europe. They slept in hostels, even in a cave on the island of Corfu, and traveled by Eurail from country to country. Jim also attended St. Francis College (now University of New England) in Biddeford, Maine, to study forestry. He worked several jobs including road construction in Florida during winter months until finding his niche working for Bob Erikson, an Eastham builder, with whom Jim learned house construction. With Bob he was also involved in building the former Norseman Athletic Club. The learned construction skills enabled Jim to build his own home. Then lastly, using his expertise, worked in the lumber yard at Mid-Cape Center in South Dennis until his retirement.

Jim and Louise spent vacations traveling and enjoying several states in the US, as well as Puerto Rico, Mexico, Jamaica, and Nova Scotia, Canada. Over the years they traveled with, and enjoyed boating with close friends. Jim loved the Cape and all it had to offer in the way of nature. He enjoyed walking the beaches looking for treasures and his favorite places were the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge on Morris Island as well as Crescent Beach, until the erosion and his health made it difficult to access. He and Louise also loved to walk many of the conservation trails in Chatham and neighboring towns. Other favorite pastimes were working in the yard or in his basement work shop.

Along with his wife Louise, Jim is survived by his younger brother David Caruso and his wife Julie of Colorado, step-daughter Kristen Hayes Sequin, granddaughters Alexandra Sequin and Nicole Sequin. Kristen was very involved in Jim’s end of life care. Having no biological children of his own, Jim took great joy in being a stepdad to Kristen, and Papa to Alexandra and Nicole. He was very involved in Alexandra and Nicole’s lives from the time they were infants. He proudly watched them grow into smart and beautiful young adults. Jim is also survived by two nieces, a nephew, several cousins, and former sister-in-law Livy Agnello. Jim was predeceased by his older brother Barry Caruso, and their parents Robert and Abbie Caruso.

The family wishes to thank the Mugar Davenport Cancer Center and all of the caring medical team, as well as the staff at Liberty Commons and the Broad Reach Hospice team for their dedicated care.

Being the private person Jim was, he requested no services be held.

In lieu of donations and in Jim’s memory, please enjoy all that nature has to offer on the Cape and elsewhere.

For online condolences please visit: www.nickersonfhchatham.com