James Kurt Medert

James Kurt Medert, 80, of Cincinnati, Ohio, passed away August 20, 2026. He was born February 6, 1946 to Charles Wayne and Ethel Faye (née Cline) Medert. From a young age, Kurt showed an aptitude for both athletics and academics, performing as the quarterback, shortstop and forward on Madeira High School’s (MHS) football, baseball and basketball teams. Kurt was also a member of the Honor Society beginning in his sophomore year and eventually became the school’s first American Field Service (AFS) student with a stint living abroad in Turkey.

Kurt’s sports acumen afforded him a scholarship to Cornell University in Ithica, New York, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1968. He later earned a Master of Business Administration from American University in Washington, D.C.

Kurt was a long-time resident of Bethesda, Maryland where he enjoyed a career in Trade Association Management in the Washington, D.C. area, before returning to Cincinnati in 2010.

During his high school years, Kurt was also active in the MHS music program, in which he sang and played trumpet. Notably, it was in the spring of 1961 that Kurt met his future wife Susan as they performed together in the opening act of the MHS Variety Show. It was then that Susan first sensed a fundamental nature of kindness in the young man who would eventually become her husband. Together, as a couple, they enjoyed classic rock music from the 60s, especially the Beach Boys and the genius of their leader, Brian Wilson. They also shared a love of films from Hollywood’s golden age. It was a union of shared interests that would last for more than 40 years.

Kurt was preceded in death by his parents, and is survived by his wife, Susan (née Lewis); his brother, Terry (Joanie); nephews, Sam and Max (Paige); and great nephew, Grant.

A private graveside service will be held with family at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.