James C. Kenke

James C. Kenke, 81 of St. Joseph, passed away, Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at his home. A Celebration of Life Eternal will be held 9:30 A.M. Saturday at First Church of God, 2627 Niles Ave., St. Joseph with Rev. Robert Confer & Rev. William Shepard officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery with military rites conducted by the North Berrien Military Rites Team. Friends may call from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Friday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice at Home or First Church of God Prime Timers. Those wishing to sign Jim’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Jim was born December 29, 1930 in St. Joseph to August & Olga (Witkowski) Kenke. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1949. Jim served his country in the US Navy during the Korean War. On April 5, 1959, he married the former Phyllis McCutchan in Elkhart, Indiana. Jim was employed at the Herald Palladium as a linotype operator, retiring in 1992 after thirty-seven years. He was a member of the First Church of God, The Prime Timers, American Legion Post #163- St. Joseph, Korean War Veterans of SW Michigan, Papsan Mamasan Korean War Veterans, and a volunteer at the St. Joseph-Lincoln Senior Center. Jim was an avid fan of the Chicago Bears, Bulls, & Cubs, and of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He enjoyed working in his yard and was always glad to help others with whatever they needed. Jim cherished the time spent with his family, especially his twin granddaughters, and traveling and going on cruises after retirement. Jim is survived by his wife Phyllis; his children-Elizabeth Kenke of St. Joseph, Bill Kenke of Westmont, IL, Linda (Gilbert) Dotson of Coloma; and twin granddaughters Jodi & Jamie Dotson. He was preceded in death by his parents.