James A. Saline

James Arthur Saline, 83, of Kalamazoo, passed away peacefully in his home on December 20, 2022. Jim was born January 23, 1939, the son of Angus John and Mary (Hermanette) Saline. On October 13, 1961 in Kalamazoo Michigan he was united in marriage to Carol Anne Davis who preceded him in death.

He is survived by a son, Ronald Earl (Nancy) Saline, daughters, June Ilene (Ted) Axe, Dawn Starr (Jeff) Adam, Robin Carol (Rob) Rose, ten grandchildren, Ronald “RJ” (Erica) Saline, Melissa “Missy” Saline-Tyler, Shawn Michael Nordman, Chad Edward (Tessa) Nordman, Brandon Lee Rose, Brittany Carol (Sam) Fehrman, Benjamin “Ben” James (Bobbie) Adam, Jessie Mae Lyke, Taylor Jeanette Lyke, Jarrett Scott Lyke and eight great grandsons, Jackson James Saline, Beckett Finn Saline, Kayden Douglas Tyler, Dakoata James Nordman, Jayden Matthew Nordman, Rylan Lee Nordman, Christian Michael Nordman, Owen Robert Rose and three great-granddaughters, Madison Faith Nordman, Brianna Hope Nordman, Amelia Rose Fehrman, and one great-great-granddaughter, Aleah Rose Nordman, and his brother, Mike Rose.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, his wife, Carol Anne Saline (Davis), his siblings, Betty Evans, Gladys Crampton, Denny Rose, Tom Rose, Neva Gooch, Daniel Rose and great-granddaughter Natallie Ann Nordman as well as several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He recently celebrated his 61st year of marriage to his wife Carol. Together they instilled love, kindness, and a strong work ethic in their four children while finding time to celebrate their life together with trips in and out of the country. After retirement they spent many winters in Naples, Florida, where they enjoyed the warmth of the sunshine and the friendships they acquired. Jim understood the importance of family. He was always willing to help someone in need. He never failed to have that special spare part on hand. He had a love for reading and would often be reading multiple books at the same time. Jim was a hard-working papermaker who lived for his family and friends. He shared his love for family with Carol and opened her home to the neighborhood children. He might remind us to “make sure we put his tools away, be home for dinner at 5, and to love one another.”

A celebration of life open house was held at 4700 West D Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49009. www.thebellflowerkzoo.com on January 13th, 2023, from 4 pm-7pm. In accordance with the family’s wishes cremation has taken place. Jim being an honorably discharged U.S. Navy veteran, a committal service was held on June 16th 2023, at Fort Custer National Cemetery for both Jim and Carol. They are resting together in Section 15A site 223.

Buried At: SECTION 15A SITE 223 

Cemetery Address: FT. CUSTER NATIONAL CEMETERY, 15501 DICKMAN ROAD NO. ENTRANCE SVC MAINTENANCE BLDG AUGUSTA, MI 49012  

Buried At: SECTION 15A SITE 223 

Cemetery Address: FT. CUSTER NATIONAL CEMETERY, 15501 DICKMAN ROAD NO. ENTRANCE SVC MAINTENANCE BLDG AUGUSTA, MI 49012  

While visiting Jim's webpage at amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook by lighting a candle, and/or sharing a memory with the family. Memorial donations can be made to Centrica Care Navigators (Hospice).

The family was cared for by Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, Plainwell Chapel, 120 S. Woodhams St. (269) 685-5881.