James Karakas Obituary

Jim Karakas

James Joseph Karakas II, 58, lovingly referred to as Jamie, Jim, Dad, or Bumpa to those that knew him best, passed from this world Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, in Snover, MI.

Jamie was born May 25, 1964, in Detroit, MI, to the late James Joseph Karakas Jr. of Detroit, MI, and Ruth Ann Karakas (Quick) of Caro, MI. He attended primary school in Dearborn, MI, at St. Alphonsus and just after high school, enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He then married Peggy Schwartz and had their daughter, Jennifer Waligora (David) in 1985 while stationed at Camp Lejeune. That partnership was ultimately not destined to last and on July 4, 1992, Jim married Joanne Robinson. Together, they raised her two boys, Roman Armstrong and USMC Sgt. Tristan Armstrong, then added: Caleb Karakas, U.S.M.C. Staff Sgt. Cord Karakas-Cinader, and Zeb Karakas-Cinader (Emma).

Jim lived in the Caro, MI, area and relocated to Bloomville for a job at Seneca Tile in 2004. While in Bloomville, Jim was an active member of American Legion Post 434. He then relocated to California to help his son, Cord, who had just joined the Marine Corps in 2014. Jim stayed in California until 2021, when he moved back to Tuscola County, MI, to help his son, Roman. In the last few years of his life, Jim battled with some medical conditions and was periodically hospitalized. However, it did not stop him from enjoying life to the fullest. The last years of his life proved to be some of the best for him as he mended old relationships and found new friends in the Caro, MI, area.

At the time of his death, Jamie enjoyed talking to his children, friends, and interacting with his grandchildren: Victoria, Cordelia, Arabella, Floy Hazen, Simon, Llia, Gabriel, Patrick, Roland, and Hudson. He loved annoying his ex-wives, golfing, a comfortable bar stool, brain teasers, the U.S. Marine Corps, helping others where he could, and of course, John Wayne.

In keeping with Jamie's wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022, at Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro, MI. Jim's family will be present to receive visitors from 12-2 p.m. Jim will be inurned at 12:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 12, 2022, at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to please provide an act of kindness to a veteran in his name. Semper Fi.