James "Rosie" Rosenbaum

James Val "Rosie" Rosenbaum, age 87, passed away peacefully in a place he loved, Anna Maria Island, Florida on March 31, 2017. Rosie was born June 26, 1929, the only son of Walter and Hannah (Friedman) Rosenbaum in Kalamazoo. He graduated from Morgan Park Military Academy (high school) in 1947. Rosie served in the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force from 1948-1951 during the Korean War. On September 27, 1952 he married Alice Mae Christiansen (Christie) of Menominee, Michigan. She preceded him in death on July 23, 1996. Rosie is survived by his three daughters: Jill (Rusty) Segal, Joanie (Tim) Opie, Julie (Sprig) Shauman; seven grandchildren: Stuart (Antu), Jeffrey (Kayleigh) & Andrew Segal. Sara (Alex) Whittlesey, & Tim Opie, Jr. Corey & Casey Shauman; one great-grandchild: Anders James Whittlesey. He is also survived by his sister: Judith Hirsh; a sister-in-law: Joanne Craig; and his companion of 16 years: Susan Horne. Rosie was employed by the family business, The Kalamazoo Pant Company (Redwood and Ross) from 1952-1978. He continued his career in the men's clothing industry with Pincus Brothers (Bill Blass) until his retirement in 1989. He was always highly regarded as being a sharp dresser with model good looks. Among his many accomplishments were serving on the Boards of Kalamazoo YMCA, Upjohn Nursing Home, Allegan County Cancer Society, Glenn Community Center. He was a proud member of The Beacon Club, Saugatuck Yacht Club, Cowhill Yacht Club. Rosie had a knack for making lifelong friends everywhere he went. He will be remembered for his contagious smile, his charm, his love of the beach, cars, a good drink, card games and above all, the love he had of his family. A private burial will be held in Mt. Home Cemetery in Kalamazoo, immediately followed by a Memorial Service. A Service to Celebrate Rosie's life will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, April 8th at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 South 9th Street with Pastor James Dyke officiating. A time of food and fellowship will immediately follow the service in the Langeland Reception Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Rosie's memory may be directed to a charity of your choice.