James Kordupel, Jr.

James Kordupel, Jr. was born in Milan, Michigan to Virginia Toporek and James Kordupel, Sr. on December 30, 1955. He passed away on June 27, 2023 at the University of Michigan Hospital from a short but courageous battle with T-PLL cancer in the presence of family.

James attended grade school and high school in Milan MI, graduating from Milan High School in 1974. He attended Michigan State University where he graduated in 1978 with a mathematics education, leading him to begin his career of teaching. He also obtained his Masters of Art in Educational Leadership through Western Michigan University in 1984. He spent three years teaching at Eaton Rapids High School and then began his 34 year career with Comstock Public Schools, teaching mathematics. Comstock is also where he began his coaching career. His patience and kindness to his students in the classroom and his athletes on the court were recognized through countless awards; Student Recognition Awards for 21 years, Teacher of the Year, and Excellence in Education Award for 9 years. He also taught at Western Michigan University for one term. Even after retiring, his love for teaching and helping others led him to teach in a resource room at Portage Northern High School for 4 years and taught Technical Mathematics at Kalamazoo Valley Community College for 1 year where he earned a Distinguished Faculty Award. He was also awarded an Athletic Hall of Fame Award from Comstock Public Schools this year.

Not only was James a remarkable coach and teacher, but he was also a remarkable husband, father, and brother. He married Luanne in 1992 and they celebrated 31 years of marriage together. Within those 31 years of marriage were trips, laughs, memories, and two children. Lewis and Megan learned from a young age the love their father had for them. James’ character of patience and kindness were instilled in his family and they are forever grateful to have had a husband, father, and brother like James.

James’ had a quote he wrote himself, which is “Maybe the thoughts and deeds we grow in this life, become the seeds in our next life.” James lived a giving life, not only to his family and friends, but also to his community. He spent early mornings roofing for Habitat for Humanity, afternoons with Migrant Ministry, and spent 2-3 days a week with Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes. His whole life was about giving back, which was demonstrated through his volunteer work and charitable contributions. We can learn from James’ actions the importance of compassion and giving back.

Though his life felt short, the years he had were filled with family, friends, and travels. He was an avid traveler both within the U.S. and outside the U.S., taking his sister Geralyn with him as well as his friend John Burt. He attended concerts, specifically the Grateful Dead (13 times) and had a running list of books he has read. His love for Michigan State did not falter through the years and he spent 7 years coaching youth basketball camp at Michigan State University with John Holms. He was very active, spending his retirement years biking, walking, and volunteering. He had a goal list he had written down, things such as having 2 children, a fulfilling marriage, and travel locations. Though some goals were met and some were missed due to his shorter time on Earth, he always wanted the world to be a slightly better place because he lived in it, and this goal was most definitely met.

James is survived by his wife, Luanne Cook-Kordupel; son, Lewis Kordupel; daughter, Megan Kordupel; sisters Sue Perry and Geralyn (Randy) Price; brother Bill (Lisa) Kordupel, and countless other loved family members- nieces, nephews, godchildren, and friends.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, July 7, 2023, at 2:00 pm at Langeland Family Funeral Homes 3926 S 9th St Kalamazoo, MI 49009. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services. Interment will take place at Portage South Cemetery immediately following services. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make memorial contributions to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or Loaves and Fishes, in memory of James.