Age 78, passed away on Thursday, November 30, 2017, with family at his side. He was born in Jelgava, Latvia, on October 23, 1939, the son of the late Voldemars and Antonija (Kracejs) Maldups. In 1950, he moved with his family to the United States and would eventually make Kalamazoo their home. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School Class of 1959. Janis later received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from WMU. Janis was a Private E-2 in the U.S. Army and a member of the ROTC at WMU; he was honorably discharged on April 30, 1971. In 1961, he became a member of the fraternity Patria. He was a hard worker who liked things precise. He was employed for 23 years at the Heath Company in St. Joseph, MI. When not working, Janis enjoyed keeping busy around the house, splitting and stacking wood. He also held an amateur radio license call sign N8LQR. Above all Janis loved his family and friends, being especially proud of his son and leaves them with many treasured memories. On May 17, 1975, he married the love of his life, Shirley Maldups who survives. He is also survived by his son, Andris (Sara Flintoft) Maldups; a sister, Austra (Valdis) Liepa; three nieces; many close friends.