W. James "Jim" Karnitz's Obituary
W. James “Jim” Karnitz, age 81, passed away peacefully at Poppen House on May 7, 2020, in Muskegon, MI after a brief battle with cancer. Jim was born December 22, 1938, in Gladstone, MI, son of Miles and Marie (Orton) Karnitz. The family moved to Muskegon when Jim was 14 months old. He graduated from Muskegon High School in 1957 and spent two years in the Army Reserve following graduation. He married Maryann Kapla, who survives, on October 24, 1959 and together they began their adventures that would take them across the country and to many different lands.
Jim spent his over 30 year career at Sealed Power Corporation, starting as a process engineer and eventually promoted to the Muskegon plant manager. His career allowed him and his family to spend two years in Liege, Belgium, which served as a base to travel the entire European continent. He was also manager of the St. Louis operation.
Jim enjoyed taking his young family on camping trips and spending time with his large extended family in the Muskegon area and reunions in the Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin. After retirement, he and Maryann spent many years traveling the country in their RV and especially loved the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, where they still have many friends. The gift of a new heart, through transplant, in 2001 allowed him nearly 19 more years to spend with his family and friends, enjoying life.
Jim had a passion for history, particularly the history of the Muskegon area and genealogy. He was a member of the Heritage Museum. Jim proudly served on the Orchard View School Board for over twenty years, spending several of those as board president. He loved boating around Muskegon Lake, and was a lifelong member of the United States Power Squadron. He was also a lifetime member of the Independent Order of Vikings, Muskegon Lodge #57.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, “father” Richard “Dick” Caughey and infant daughter Therese. Jim is survived by his children, Tim (Kim) of Elk River, MN, Ted (Sue) of Norton Shores, and Tom of Muskegon; “mother” Jackie Caughey; brothers Michael (Dolly), Terry (Sue), Dennis (Barbara), and Becky (Tom Fredericksen); six grandchildren and two great grandchildren; his lifelong neighbors on Center Street, their families; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous other friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s honor to Transplant Life Foundation (www.transplantlifefoundation.org) or to any local fund to assist those in need.
A Celebration of Life will be August 21, 2021 from 1-3 PM at the Vikings Linne Lodge 57 (3132 Lakeshore Dr. Muskegon, MI 49441).
Please share memories with the family online at www.sytsemafh.com. Arrangements by The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 Apple Ave. Muskegon, MI 49442 (231) 726-5210.
What’s your fondest memory of W. James "Jim"?
What’s a lesson you learned from W. James "Jim"?
Share a story where W. James "Jim"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with W. James "Jim" you’ll never forget.
How did W. James "Jim" make you smile?