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James Gunderson

August 18, 2021
Kalamazoo, MI

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Gunderson, James S. Kalamazoo, MI Bonita Springs, FL James S. Gunderson (Jim) of Kalamazoo, Michigan and Bonita Springs, Florida passed away peacefully at the age 84 on Wednesday, August 18 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo after a courageous battle with prostate cancer. Jim was an entrepreneur and mentor to many. He was passionate about helping others find their success and was not afraid to put those he cared about in the "hot seat" and then point them in the right direction. Always up for a challenge, he believed he could conquer any obstacle. He was born on September 25, 1936 in Green Bay, Wisconsin to Stanley and Esther (Lindholm) Gunderson. On June 26, 1965, he and Sally (Weaver) Gunderson were married in the Methodist Church in Williamsfield, Illinois, a town so small nearly everyone there attended the ceremony and reception. In addition to his wife Sally and his beloved Labradoodle, Targa, a sister Marilyn Redin and brothers, Dr. Paul (LeeAnn) Gunderson and Dr. David (Diane) Gunderson survive. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and dozens and dozens of business colleagues and friends, and his loving Florida family, Jared and Liz Larson and their sons. Jim had a lifelong love for travel, for the outdoors, and for motorcycles, fast cars, and airplanes. Among many wonderful trips, he especially enjoyed fishing in Alaska and safaris in Africa. He also loved taking one of his many dogs for a daily walk near his home in Kalamazoo, his cottage in Northern Michigan, and his winter home in Bonita Bay. He loved projects and his homes were always in a state of improvement. Jim was always inquisitive, full of energy and according to a family friend; he always had a little grin on his face that made you wonder what he was thinking! Destined for success at an early age, Jim attended Northern Illinois University. He graduated in 1962 a degree in Production Management. Following college graduation, he began his career with Parker Hannifin Corporation, Pneumatic Division, in Des Plaines, Illinois, as an industrial engineer. In 1965, he was promoted to plant manager and moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan to open a new production facility in Otsego. He was rewarded with multiple promotions while working in quality control, manufacturing engineering, manufacturing management and sales manager, and in 1971, he was promoted to the division general manager. In 1974, Jim struck out on his own and purchased a Kalamazoo Rubber Stamp Company. In 1978, he sold the rubber stamp / engraving operations, renamed the company Engineered Packaging Systems (EPS), and focused on packaging. EPS later opened branches in Elkhart, Indiana and Livonia, Michigan with friends and business partners Brian Henley and Joe Santana. By 1996, EPS was a leading distributor of packaging systems in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio with sales of $20 million and 50 employees. In that same year, all of EPS was sold to Alco Standard. Jim then served as Vice President of Sales for the Alco's Unisource Division until 1999 when he retired. Retirement was not for Jim, so in 2002, he started Technical Packaging Systems with Gary Gunia and a group of associates from the former EPS. He worked for one year to get the company going and again retired again while remaining on its Board of Directors. Looking for new opportunities in 2004, he helped Marty Rogers with the purchase of Gulf States Electric in Naples, Florida and became a partner in that business. After years of successful operation, Jim sold his share to Rogers in 2012. In 2006, he became a founding investor and member of the Board of Directors of First National Bank of Michigan. The bank has grown from a local area startup to being listed as one of the top three most profitable banks in Michigan. With more left to accomplish, in 2011, Jim became involved in My Shower Door located in Ft. Myers, Florida. In 2013, he became a 33% partner in Your Shower Door, Grand Rapids, Michigan. Jim was involved in a number of business and community organizations including the National Independent Distributor Association (Chairman 1995), Kalamazoo County Chamber of Commerce (Chairman 1985), Bronson Healthcare Board of Directors (Chairman 1999 – 2002) and Technical Packaging Systems (Chairman 2005 - 2019). A smart, compassionate and loyal friend, Jim's impact on those around him is part of his amazing legacy. He will be missed. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 24 from 4 – 7 p.m. at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services 3926 S. 9th Street in Kalamazoo. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 25th at Second Reformed Church, 2323 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo with Rev. Kevin Hart officiating. Interment in Princeville, Illinois will be held later. Memorial contributions in Jim's memory may be made to the Bronson Health Foundation / Gunderson Prostate Cancer Education Fund, 301 John Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007 and the Second Reformed Church, 2323 Stadium Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008. Please visit Jim's personalized web page at https://www.langelands.com