01/07/2026
James Albert Kanine, lovingly known as Jim, entered the presence of his Savior on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at his home. He was born May 2, 1936, to Glenn and Mary “Leta” (Knight) Kanine and was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Barb Verwey.
Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose life centered on faith and family. He married the love of his life, Karen “Katie” Ann Carey, on June 18, 1955. She remained his whole world until the day he died. They celebrated seventy years of marriage this past June.
Together they raised eight children: Jim (Jane), Veronica “Duzy” (Scott), Bill (Carla), Bob (Tammy), Ann (Ron), Mike, Joe (Christy), and Ed (Shannon). Jim was the proud grandfather of 18 grandchildren: Jim, Rachel, Becca, Matt, Anne, Jenni, Kristy, Jake, Adam, Luke, Melissa, Josh, Ryan, Katie, Steph, Nick, Skylar, and Jaden; and 21 great-grandchildren: Calder, Finley, Harlow, Bodhi, Emily, Molly, Ellie, Charlie, Sophie, Josie, Brody, Mason, Braden, Reed, Brady, Jack, Addi, Macy, Cooper, Tyler, and Fallon.
Lifelong residents of Shepherd, Jim built the home where he and Katie raised their family. He worked for Dow Chemical for 37 years and served the community as Coe Township Clerk for 22 years. A devout Catholic, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a longtime parishioner at St. Vincent de Paul.
Jim loved sports, gardening, playing cards, and above all, being with his family.
In his final days, he was lovingly cared for by all eight of his children, who spent days and nights by his side. He passed away knowing he was deeply loved by his wife of seventy years and all who knew him. He will be remembered as a faithful family man whose legacy lives on through those he loved.
Visitation will be held on Friday, January 9, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Church, with a vigil service beginning at 7:00 p.m. The funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, January 10, at 11:00 a.m., with a luncheon to immediately follow in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Parkinson’s disease research.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Berry Funeral Home of Shepherd.
