Robert L. James
May 3, 1950 – March 4, 2021
In accordance with his wishes, cremation will take place and a gathering to celebrate his life will beheld later on in the spring when it is safe to do so. Memorial contributions may be made in Bob’s memory to Right to Life of Southwest Michigan, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Age 70, passed away at home on Thursday morning, March 4, 2021 following a brief illness. Bob was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on May 03, 1950, the son of John and Doris James. After graduating from high school in Portage, Bob began attending college and obtained his Master Mechanical’s License and enjoyed many years of his craft. Bob was known among his family and friends to have a love of children and walked the talk by supporting Right to Life, and remained passionate about protecting the unborn, his entire life. Bob’s thirty plus year career was working with children of all ages, as well. He retired as a school bus driver with the Kalamazoo Public School District, making sure his kiddos were delivered to their proper destinations on a daily basis. Bob continued his love of cars and worked on them whenever he could. He was also an avid ping pong player, loved to camp and loved to watch professional wrestling with his family. Bob’s family say he was very much a home body and enjoyed spending time with them. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Carol James, brother Bruce James and step sister Fay DeYoung. He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Robert (Denise) James of Galesburg, Thomas (Debbie) James of Sturgis, Tony (Christina) James of Kalamazoo, and Darin (Chelsea) James of Galesburg, his grandchildren, Jacob and Ty James, Tiffany James, Makayla and Logan James, Payton James, his sisters, Patricia James, Cassandra Langdon, Leona Peace, brother, Thomas James and step-brother, Hank Caulder and step-sister, Dana Wilson.
Dad I wish that you was still here. Haven’t been to see you because of Covid and your health . We did talk more lately on the phone. I had to become your guardian but you graduated from therapy. I was able to tell you I loved you . We really never expressed that . We knew it. But the other day your granddaughter was able to talk to you. She was just chatting away . We went to your home yesterday after hearing you went home. Payton played with your dog. She had so much fun . Das I know we both have said things to each other when we was upset. I know you forgave me . I forgave you too. I will miss you and I’m glad you enjoyed your Christmas gifts . You called me to tell me . It wasn’t on Christmas. But you was in the hospital. But enough rambling. I love you rip