James W. Carls

James W. “Jim” Carls, 77, of Alpena, Michigan, passed away at home, Saturday, October 9. 2021.  Jim was born on November 8, 1943 to Harold and Doris (Houghton) Carls in Detroit Michigan.  On February 3, 1979, he married Helen Rondeau in Roseville, Michigan.  She preceded him in death on January 15, 2020.

            Jim worked as a salesperson for a pipe and fitting company in Texas until his retirement when he and Helen returned to Alpena.  He was a member of the Shriner’s, Oddfellows, and the Masons until his health declined to the point where he couldn’t participate any longer.  He loved to bowl and was an avid fisherman with his friends Dan Hunter and Rex Rogers until his health declined.

            He is survived by three children:  Son, Daniel Carls of Texas and daughters, Valerie Carls Cox and Vicki Carls Porter of Tennessee.  He is also survived by six step-children: Step-son David (Janie) Schultz of Memphis, Tennessee and step-daughters, Mary (Darryl) McQuarrie of Alpena, MI; Karen (Robert) King of Jacksonville, FL; Jill (Pete) Shiemke of Hubbard Lake, MI; Tami (Jay) Hazel of Galloway, OH; and Heidi (Don) King of Batesville, IN.  He is also survived by multiple grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-children.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen, his parents and one sister, and a step-daughter, KayLynn Shultz.

            Internment service will be October 23, 2021 at 11:00 at the Hubbard Lake Cemetery where both Jim and Helen will be laid to rest, with full military honors for Jim.  A celebration of life for both of them will be at 1 pm at the VFW #2496 on Connon Street in Alpena.

            Donations, if desired, can be made to NEMROC of Alpena (where Jim used to volunteer), or to Samaritas Apartments Game Fund, where Jim was instrumental in getting the Cornhole tournaments started.