James B. Cruger Jr., 65, a lifelong area resident, lost his short battle with cancer on September 11, 2021, in Hyde Park with his family by his side.  Born September 2, 1956, in Poughkeepsie, he was the son of James 'Dutch' and Millie Miller Cruger.  He was a 1974 graduate of F. D. Roosevelt High School and received his associate degree in Horticulture from SUNY Cobleskill.  Most recently, Jim worked for the City of Poughkeepsie Parking Department. He drove a bus for the City of Poughkeepsie for fifteen years and was a former school bus driver for the Arlington Central School District. A horticulture expert, he also owned and operated his landscaping business, Interior Gardens, for several years.  An avid outdoorsman, Jim loved to hunt and fish.  Survivors include his son, James Cruger, of Poughkeepsie; brother, George Cruger, and wife, Carla, of Staatsburg; two sisters, Caren Thomas and husband, Ron, of Hyde Park, and Jill Hess of Hyde Park; and nieces and nephews, Laura Thomas of Wappingers Falls, Cheryl Rothkranz and husband, Ron, of Pleasant Valley, Christen Rochman and husband, Brandin, of Fishkill, and Jarrett Cruger and wife, Ilana, of South Salem, NY; and a great niece and nephew.   He is also survived by his uncle, Eugene "Critt" Crittenden, of Staatsburg; aunt, Bitsy Stopski and husband, Vic, of Poughkeepsie; uncle, James Miller Sr., of Hyde Park; many cousins; and significant other, Caroline Weber, of Hopewell Junction.  Calling hours will be from 1 to 4 PM, Thursday, September 16th at Sweet's Funeral Home, Rte. 9, Hyde Park.  Funeral services will be at 3:30 PM during the calling hours. Cremation will follow at the convenience of the family.  In lieu of flowers, Jim's family respectfully requests memorial donations to Sparrow's Nest, 946 Route 376, Suite 7, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 ( www.sparrowsnestcharity.org ), or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. ( www.stjude.org )  To send an online condolence, or for directions, please visit Jim's obituary page at www.sweetsfuneralhome.com .