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James Paul Rolls

March 23, 1939 - June 30, 2020
Kalamazoo, MI

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Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Douglass Community Association
1000 W Paterson St
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
(269) 343-6185
Web Site

Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra
359 S Kalamazoo Mall #100
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
(269) 349-7759
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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Age 81, died peacefully on June 30, 2020. Jim was born March 23, 1939 in Philadelphia, PA. During grade school, Jim met a young lady named Linda. She played the organ at the church they both attended. She was so nervous her first time playing that she had not engaged the pedal to turn it on. Jim came up to the organ, set the right pedal, and wordlessly went back to his seat. They began dating while she was a junior in college, and so began their love story. After receiving his PhD from Penn State University, Jim went on to complete his postdoctoral work at Case Western Reserve University. Moving to Kalamazoo for a position with the Upjohn Company, Jim began his career as a biochemist. Jim served on the Board of Directors for the Kalamazoo Symphony and the Douglass Community Association. In his leisure time Jim loved to read, particularly science journals, and he was an excellent tennis player. Playing and watching basketball provided some of his most enjoyable times, especially the NCAA finals and other basketball events! Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Pauline Rolls and his aunt, Catherine Evans. He’s survived by his wife, Linda. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Visit Jim’s personal webpage at www.BetzlerLifeStory.com where you may archive a favorite memory or photo and sign his online guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to the Douglass Community Association or the Kalamazoo Symphony. Arrangements by Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo 269-375-2900.