James Adolph Kandt Jr.

James Adolph Kandt Jr., age 80, of Warren, Michigan, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on December 5, 1944, in Mount Clemens, Michigan, to James Adolph Kandt Sr. and Marcia (nee Clar) Kandt. He was the second of five children and grew up in a loving, close-knit family.

Jim served his country in the United States Navy, enlisting in 1969 and serving until he was transferred to the United States Naval Reserves in 1972. He was honorably discharged and returned home, where he began a career in engineering. He earned his associate’s degree in engineering from Macomb Community College. Jim then went on to work for Stellar Engineering for more than twenty-five years, retiring in 2004.

In 1971, Jim met the love of his life, Marilyn Theisen. The couple married on September 30, 1972, at St. Clement Church. Marilyn knew he was the one after only their third date. She described him as loving, generous, and always finding ways to show his love. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and a strong family bond that has been passed down to his family.

A proud family man, Jim was always ready to lend a hand and offer support to those he loved. He cherished spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, and extended family members. Some of Jim’s fondest memories were created while on family vacations. Him, Marilyn, and their two children, loved traveling for those vacations, no matter where it took them. Jim’s love for his children was boundless, and he would do anything for them. Once he became a grandfather, his title of “Popuu” became one he wore proudly. Every Friday, he would spend time with his grandchildren, spoiling them with sweets, most often his favorite—Hershey’s chocolate.

An active and involved member of his community, Jim was a longtime parishioner at St. Clement Church. He also cherished his time as part of the “Old Crowd,” a group of friends in Mount Clemens who gathered annually for a parade and summer cookout. He took great joy in being with his brothers and their friends during these events.

Jim had a passion for staying active. He was a fixture in his neighborhood, offering to help neighbors by cutting lawns. Jim also enjoyed going on long walks wherever he could. His love for sports was undeniable. James was a devoted fan of the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers, but his heart truly belonged to the University of Michigan football team—he was an avid and lifelong supporter.

Jim was also passionate about car racing, especially NASCAR. He had a deep appreciation for cars, something he shared with his three brothers. His greatest pride and joy was his 1996 Chevy Impala, which he lovingly maintained throughout the years.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife of fifty-two years, Marilyn; their children Kim (Erik Underwood) Kandt and James A. Kandt III; his daughter-in-law Nicole Kandt; his beloved grandchildren, Michael, Troy, Zachary, Alice, Andrew, Abigail, Noah, Johannah, and Henry; and his brothers Bruce (Roseann) Kandt, Bernard (Linda) Kandt, and John (Tracy) Kandt, as well as several extended family members and friends who will all miss him deeply. He was preceded in death by his parents, James A. Kandt Sr. and Marcia Kandt and his sister Patricia (Ralph) Theisen.

Visitation for Jim will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2025, between 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm at D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, located at 30009 Hoover Road, Warren, Michigan 48093.

Jim will lie instate on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 9:30 am until the beginning of mass at 10:00 am at St. Mary, Our Lady Queen of Families Church (St. Clement), located at 8075 Ritter, Center Line, Michigan 48015.

Jim will be laid to rest at St. Clement Cemetery in Center Line, Michigan on Friday, February 7, 2025. Military honors will be rendered at St. Clement Cemetery prior to Jim being laid to rest.

James A. Kandt Jr. will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family, his community involvement, and his kind, generous spirit. He left a lasting impact on all who knew him, and his memory will live on in the hearts of his loved ones forever.