James Verdon

James Michael 'Mike' Verdon died on Tuesday June 29th 2021 in Merida, Mexico. Mike was born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan. A Navy veteran, he attended Ferris State University and Western Michigan University. He later married and lived in Florida, as well as Ohio, before returning to Michigan to work for the American Automobile Association in the Detroit, Grand Rapids, and (after moving to Northport, MI) Ludington areas. Mike retired to Mexico where he first settled in Barra de Navidad on the Pacific Ocean and later in Merida in the Yucatan. From there, he traveled extensively through out the Americas and the Pacific Rim. He is preceded in death by James R. Verdon (father, died 2/13/1992 in Kalamazoo, MI), Virginia H. Verdon (mother, died 6/3/2005 in Boulder, CO), and Kathryn Verdon (sister, died 8/9/1947). He is survived by Karin A. Verdon (sister, Denver, CO), Karyl Verdon (sister, Boulder, CO), Gregory R. Verdon (son, Wakefield, RI), Rebecca C. Dujanowicz (daughter, Northport, MI), and four grandchildren. La Luz Del Cielo handled the funeral arrangements and Mike's ashes are interred at Cementerio Xoclan in Merida, Mexico. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that contributions be made to the Kleinstuck Preserve maintained by Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI. RIP big brother. "The only reality you have is the one you believe in. I say eighty-six the rest of it." - James Lee Burke