James Ouding

James E. Ouding, Sr., age 84 of Galesburg, died on June 29, 2026. He was born on July 4, 1941, in Kalamazoo, the son of James and Clara (Hurley) Ouding. Jim was a 1960 graduate of Comstock High School and supported his alma mater throughout his life. He served during the Vietnam War in the U.S. Navy. On May 28, 1964, Jim married Ruth Boone and they shared 42 years until her death in 2008. Jim retired after 34 years as an electrician and HVAC worker for Georgia Pacific Paper Mills. He then served as a funeral service assistant for Langeland Family Funeral Homes for 14 years. Jim enjoyed bowling in a league, going to the local stock car races, and golfing with friends. He was a member of the First Freewill Baptist Church. Jim was a former volunteer with the Comstock Fire Department. A longtime Kalamazoo Wings and Western Michigan University football season ticket holder, Jim loved watching sports. He loved attending his grandchildren's sporting events and activities the most. He is survived by his children: James (Diana) Ouding, Jr. and Stephanie Falcon; his grandchildren: Brandi (Joe) Nuyen, Justin Hansen, Sara (Trampas) Newman, Courtney (Kenny) Jones, McKenna (Brian) Caldwell, Dusty Ouding, Harlie Calhoon and Hali Falcon; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; his siblings: Norma Jean Cooley, Dennis (Sharon) Ouding, Don (Debbie) Ouding, Lenna Ouding, Henry (Candace) Ouding, and Angie Wojdyla; his sister-in-law Patty Ouding and Caroline Ouding and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Ruth Ouding, his daughter Patricia (Dave) Hudson, his son Christopher Falcon, his grandson Tristan, his brothers Henry, Bruce and Tim Ouding, his sister Terry Ouding and his brother-in-law John. Friends may gather with his family on Tuesday, July 7th, 2026, from 10:00-11:00 AM at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, 622 S. Burdick Street, Kalamazoo, with his funeral service at 11:00 AM. A committal service with military honors will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jim may be made to the Comstock Fire Department. Please share condolences or memories at

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