James C. Wyrick

James C. Wyrick, age 74 of Kalamazoo, died suddenly on August 20, 2022. His family is devastated by this loss, but rejoices to know that he is home with his Savior.

Jim was born September 29, 1947, in Grand Rapids, the son of Ivan and Lola (Ballard) Wyrick. Jim was a 1965 graduate of Byron Center High School and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Paper Science and Engineering from Western Michigan University. He was very proud of his varsity status on the gymnastics team and it was while at WMU that he met and married his wife, Kathleen (Rose), of nearly 53 years.

Shortly after, Jim served his country as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force and worked to complete his Master’s Degree from Central Michigan University in Business Administration. Jim taught scuba diving lessons and first aid/CPR.  Jim worked in many managerial capacities over the next 30+ years with companies Paper Corporation of America, James River/Graphic Packaging & MPI Research.  Jim enjoyed being active and for many years was a member of the Kalamazoo Bicycle Club.  He participated in numerous long distance bike tours and enjoyed riding his recumbent tricycle with longtime friend David Gage all the way up to his passing.

Jim was fiercely loyal to and loved his family.  He and Kathy were married on August 23rd, 1969 and were blessed with two daughters and eventually sons-in-law, grandchildren, and  most recently a great grandchild.  Since 1980 he has attended St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church with Kathy and family. Along with Kathy his surviving family includes his mother, Lola Wyrick; his daughters: Jennifer (Timothy Lower) Wyrick and Lauren (Michael) Pearson; his grandchildren: Allison (Luke) Domke, Isaiah Pearson, Emily Wyrick, Levi Pearson, Lydia Pearson, and Josiah Pearson; his great-grandson, John Domke; his siblings: Ted (Linda) Wyrick, Susann Case, and Jerold (Julie) Wyrick; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Ivan.

Friends may visit with his family on Thursday, August 25, 2022, from 2:00 – 4:00 PM & 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, 3926 S. 9th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. The funeral service with military honors will be held on Friday, August 26, 2022, at 11:00 AM at St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church, 2381 Romence Rd, Portage, MI 49024, where friends may visit with the family from 10:00 AM until time of the service. Memorial contributions may be given to St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church or to Christian Life Resources. Please visit https://www.langelands.com to view the online obituary, sign the guest book, and leave messages for the family.