James Donald Korkinsky, age 85 of Kalamazoo died Saturday, April 7, 2018 at the Borgess Medical Center Emergency Room.  He was born in Battle Creek, MI on June 6, 1932 the son of Evan John and Arlene (Monroe) Korkinsky.  Jim graduated from Lakeview High School and was a 30-year employee of Clark Equipment.  Following his retirement, he worked briefly at Meijer, and for Harold Ziegler Automotive.  Jim enjoyed fishing, travel, and especially dancing.  He enjoyed being with family and friends, and never knew a stranger.  Most recently he had attended the Radiant Bible Church in Richland.

Jim was married to Madelyn L. Schieber on Dec. 6, 1952 in Battle Creek.  After retirement, he was her primary care giver until her death in 1999.   A few years later he met Violet (Shaw) Birch at a dance, and they were married on Jan. 3, 2003 in Kalamazoo.  Jim is survived by his wife, Violet; 3 daughters, Diane Barnes of Battle Creek, Julie (Doug) Wenger of Richfield, OH, and Susan (Bob) Lenz of Middleburg Heights, OH; 2 step daughters, Diane Stauffer of Three Rivers and Debbie (Lou) Modert of Galesburg; 9 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Sharon Korkinsky of Kalamazoo.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Madelyn; step-daughter, Darlene Rodgers; and a brother, Bruce Korkinsky.

Burial has taken place in Reese Cemetery in Springfield, MI.  A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 12:00 noon in the community room at Comstock Towers, 5285 East H Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49048.  Memorial donations may be directed to the family.  Assistance was provided by the Eickhoff Funeral Home of Mendon.  Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.eickhofffuneralhome.com