Courtland "Corky" James

Courtland “Corky” James, age 93, of Kalamazoo died on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at his residence. Courtland was born on March 13, 1927 in Elkhart IN, the son of Courtland Sr. and Edith B. (Frye) James. On September 12, 1947 he was united in marriage to his sweetheart and friend Lois E Schuring who preceded him in death on March 7, 2002. Corky graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and served his country with honor in the European Theater during WWII with the US Army, achieving the rank of T/4 (Sergeant). In 1957 he and his wife moved to California where he completed his education at El Camino College. While living in California he worked for the Northrop Corporation in the Nortronics Division and Hughes Aircraft electronic division. In 1970 they returned to Kalamazoo and went to work for Western Michigan University where he retired in 1994. He is survived by his niece, Doris and Jerry LaCoss and their 2 sons: Jerry Jr. and Ron LaCoss; and friend, Cindy Walton and her 2 daughters: Kaitlin and Shelby Walton. Cremation has taken place and Corky will be buried beside his wife at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to the V.A. Medical Center. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 (269) 375-2900. www.BetzlerLifeStory.com