James R. Kaekel, 81, of Coloma, passed away on May 18, 2017 at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo.

Cremation has taken place and no services are planned per his wishes. Memorial donations in James's memory may be made to St. Jude's Children Hospital. Those wishing to leave a message or share a memory with the family online may do so at www.duffieldpastrick.com.

James was born April 20, 1936 in Benton Harbor to Frederick and Gertrude (Jacobs) Kaekel. He started Jim's Auto Service in 1959 and later retired in 2001.  James loved fishing on Little Paw Paw Lake, watching NASCAR, and collecting antique firearms.

James is survived by his son James (Amy) Kaekel Jr. of Hartford, his sister Judith (David) Lambert of Huntsville, Ala., grandchildren Rodney Kaekel of Hartford and Rachel (Charles) Hatfield of Watervliet, and a great granddaughter Alivia Jiminez.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother Frederick Kaekel III.