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Duane James

September 1, 2020
Kalamazoo, MI

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Duane H. James, 90, of Kalamazoo passed away peacefully on 9/1/2020. A human life is a collection of stories. Duane's life held an abundance of them, and he enjoyed sharing these stories with everyone. From hitchhiking across the country as a teenager, travelling extensively while in the military, and raising a family, to enjoying the solitude of reading, walking, golfing and playing keno after he retired from Upjohn's. Dad was an adventurer and instilled the desire to travel in his children. We remember visiting most of the National State Parks during Spring and Christmas breaks from school. We wanted a traditional Christmas and scoffed at times about camping instead of getting presents; however, we thanked him often as we all grew into adults for giving us the gift of travel and exploration! We learned more during those vacations than we could have learned in a classroom. His favorite place was Big Bend National Park in southern Texas, and we plan to scatter his ashes there so that he will always be a part of the beautiful desert he loved. Dad served honorably in the United States Air Force and Navy. He will be remembered for his adventurous spirit and philanthropic heart. Duane is preceded in death by his brother Bill and sisters, Evelyn, Dorothy and Verta; his wife, Mary Frances James; daughter, Rose Armstrong; son, Orland James and his granddaughter, Jessica James. He is survived by his brother Jerry James, daughters Debra James and Vicki Smith; his grandchildren Damion Armstrong, Monica Curtis, Rachel Armstrong and Kurtis James.