Jim Lajiness

With unending love for his family and friends, James Lajiness was truly a gift to his loved ones. He was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times, and he was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others. Jim opened his arms, his home, and his heart to anyone and everyone. His legacy of selflessness left a lasting impact on all those around him. Jim’s memory will be forever treasured, and he will not be forgotten.

The early 1940s were a tumultuous time for the United States and the rest of the world as WWII raged around the globe. Many servicemen were called away from home, and those who remained stateside faced strict rationing to support the war effort and clung to their radios for news. During these dark years, however, there was a ray of light for Arthur and Elizabeth (Walters) Lajiness of Kalamazoo, Michigan, as they expected the arrival of their first child. On March 11, 1942, they welcomed their son, James, into the world at Borgess hospital in Kalamazoo.

In many ways, Jim enjoyed a typical childhood of his generation. He was raised in the family home in the Kalamazoo area alongside his four younger brothers, Tom, Bob, Dave, and Bill. Many of Jim’s early years were spent surrounded by family, and he always claimed that he was Grandma Cook’s favorite child. He attended local schools, where he built many lasting friendships and discovered and nurtured a passion for football. Jim graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1960, then went into the Marine Reserves. He was always proud of his military service and would share his stories for many years to come. He always made sure to thank others for their service as well.

Over the years, Jim worked in a variety of jobs in order to provide for himself and those who depended on him, and his solid work ethic always served him well. He worked at General Motors and Home Depot. Jim’s job as a truck driver allowed him to see the country and sparked a love for travel and the open road. His latest endeavor included work at the Main Street Pub in Mattawan. Jim found peace and contentment in the simple routine of going to work, and whether he was living in Texas, Washington, or Michigan, he was a hard worker, a valuable employee, and a fun, energetic coworker.

All those who knew Jim will certainly agree that nothing meant more to him than his family. He met and married Carol, and together, they welcomed two sons and a daughter, Jimmy, Jeff, and Jodi. Unfortunately, the boys both passed away young. Later on, Jim once again found happiness when he met Pam. The two were married in Texas in 1982. Jim was a dedicated husband to Pam and a caring father to his daughter, Meagan. He was very involved in the lives of his children, and was never one to miss an important event or occasion. Even after the kids were grown up, Jim always made sure to check on them and see how they were doing. He was so thrilled to become a grandfather, and he was always ready to help care for his beloved grandkids. Jim even helped Meagan care for newborn Kaleb while Scott was deployed and then continued to provide daycare for the first two years of Kaleb’s life. Even though they made mistakes, he was always supportive and encouraging. Jim considered himself blessed to watch his family grow to include so many loved ones.

In his free time, Jim liked to pursue many hobbies to stay busy. He was known for his vivid storytelling and contagious laughter. Jim loved traveling, and he was able to visit many locations all around the country. He loved to visit close family friends in Texas and his brothers in Arizona and Washington. A special trip Jim loved to tell stories about, and there were many, was his trip to Washington DC in 2009, by car, with his four brothers. This trip brought lasting memories for each of them. Wyoming was also an often travelled destination to visit his nephew, and would go on to hold a special place in his heart after Pam’s passing

Jim loved cooking and was famous for his signature salsa, which he brought to every single event. Never one to measure his ingredients, he always made enough food to feed a small army. Jim enjoyed fishing and spending time out on the lake. Over the years, he went on several memorable fishing trips with family and friends that were considered family. Jim was a social butterfly who made friends wherever he went and he was never one to shy away from a potential friendship.

When reflecting on the life of James Lajiness, it is easy to see both his unwavering strength and his unconditional love for his people. He faced each and every challenge with a spirit of fierce determination, and he made the most of every moment, never taking a single thing for granted. To know Jim was to love him and admire his insatiable zest for life. His deep compassion for others made him an excellent role model for all those who looked up to him. Though he will be dearly missed, Jim leaves behind a priceless collection of memories for his loved ones to hold close.

Age 83, Jim Lajiness died on March 11, 2025. He was born March 11, 1942, in Kalamazoo to Arthur and Elizabeth (Walters) Lajiness. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, wife: Pam; brothers: Bob and Bill; and his sons; Jimmy and Jeff. Surviving are his children: Meagan (Scott) Underwood and Jodi Komarck; siblings: Tom (Rosalie) Lajiness and Dave (Lynn) Lajiness; grandchildren: Kaleb, Hunter, Hayden, and Tyler; and many nieces and nephews.

Please join us at a Life Story Visitation on Tuesday, March 18 from 4-7PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. Visitation will be in the Life Story center where food, drink, and stories can be shared. Please wear casual attire or Michigan State University colors in honor of Jim.

Celebrate Jim’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to the ALS Association and the Semper Fi Fund.