James Kallewaard

Master Sergeant, James "Jim" Kallewaard, 95,of Kalamazoo, MI died peacefully with his family at Rose Arbor Hospice, Kalamazoo, Michigan on January 12, 2017. James Kallewaard was born on July 3, 1921, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the third of five children born to Daniel and Wilhelmina (Vaar) Kallewaard. A veteran of World War II, James enlisted in 1942 into the United States Marine Corps. He served as a head mechanic on the Chance Vought "Corsair" F4U-1A. James deployed to several Marine Corps bases in the South Pacific, including Guam and Solomon Islands, where he maintained and kept the planes flying in the air. In 1946, James was honorably discharged and he returned to Kalamazoo. Sergeant Kallewaard succeeded as a brave and loyal soldier, as well as a patient and loving father. He married Dorothy Zander in Three Rivers, Michigan on October 31, 1946. James maintained a proud lifetime membership of The American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. James functioned as a hard worker and applied himself to every job he held throughout his life. James' employment history reflects the Kalamazoo's historic business community. Jim worked at the Kalamazoo Sled Company, The Union Ice Company (where he delivered block ice for iceboxes), Kalamazoo Vegetable Parchment, KVP, where he operated, monitored, and maintained printing presses. Jim elevated his position to supervisor before retiring in 1980. James is survived by his wife of 70 years, Dorothy; his daughters, Diana Hough, Kalamazoo, Sue Ellen Kallewaard, Kalamazoo; his son, Dan (Susan) Kallewaard, Vicksburg; sister Jean Ann (Gerald) Triezenberg, Kalamazoo, MI; 6 grandchildren, including Jacqueline Stuut, Kalamazoo, Todd Hough, Rockford, Michael Campbell, Kalamazoo, Chris (Lisa) Campbell, Galesburg, Nicole (Kallewaard) John LeLay, Silver Springs, Maryland, Hannah (David) Kallewaard-Lum, Santa Barbara, California. Jim's family also includes 6 great grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren, and several niece and nephews. A significant success in James' life was centered on being the patriarch of his five-generation family living at one time. James was preceded in death by his son, James, and his daughter, Susan, who died during infancy. James Kallewaard will have interment services with full military honors at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Road, Augusta, Michigan on Monday, July 3, 2017, at 1:30 pm. Immediately following, a celebration in his memory will be held at the American Legion/VFW, Post 36, 1920 Kilgore Service Road, Portage, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in James' honor may be directed to the family.