James Carns

93, lifelong resident of Allegan, MI passed away Friday, April 14, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family. Born September 29, 1923 in Allegan, he was the son of the late James Leroy Carns and Bertha Wilson Carns. Mr. Carns married Wanda M. Calkins on September 28, 1946 and the couple remained happily married until she preceded him in death in 2009. He was a proud American, having served honorably during World War II in the United States Army and later becoming a member of both the American Legion and the VFW. Mr. Carns had been a farmer his entire life, but also spent over thirty-two years working for, and eventually retiring from, Rockwell International which was originally Blood Brothers Tool and Die. He was a lifetime member of First Congregational Church. Mr. Carns enjoyed being involved in other aspects of his community as well, for instance he had been a very active 4H Leader for over thirty years and had served on several township boards. He took a special interest in the cemetery by making sure everything was in order and ensuring that each and every veteran buried there had a flag on their grave. Mr. Carns is survived by his four children, Bruce Carns and wife Ann, Janet Nagel and husband Bill, Cheryl Noteboom and husband Keaven, and Brian Carns; his siblings, Marilyn Ely and husband Tom, Irene Waanders and husband Dave, and Sidney Carns and wife Maryann; twenty grandchildren, Troy Carns, Shane and Melissa Carns, Tonya and Sam Goodenough, Clay Carns, Crystal and Travis Nagel, Stacey and Bob Shilander, Joy and Alex Lamfers, Amanda and Shad VanStedum, Kelly and Allison Carns, Chris and Kaileigh Carns, Conner Carns and Cooper Carns; and twenty-three great-grandchildren. Along with his parents and his wife, he was preceded in death by his sister, Iris June Carns. The family will receive friends at Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM. A funeral service will take place the following day, Wednesday, April 19, 2017, at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow in Hudson Corners Cemetery. Memorial Donations may be made to the First Congregational Church Kitchen Building Fund or Hospice of Holland.