Obituary of James E. Caris

Caris, James E. Gladwin, Michigan James E. Caris, age 87 was born on June 8, 1928 in Detroit, Michigan to the late James and Vivian Caris. Jim served in Korea and was proud to be a veteran. He held a lifetime membership in the Traverse City VFW. After the service Jim attended technical school. As an electronics technician, he was the technology "geek" of his generation and began his career as a TV repairman at a time when TV's were just becoming commercially popular. He spent most of his career working for Sears Roebuck and Company. He eventually headed an entire repair division for Sears and taught electronics. His intrinsic mechanical aptitude and ability was put to good use by legions of friends and family. Jim left Sears to own and operate the Bay Breeze Motel in Traverse City, Michigan. Jim met his wife Bina, when they lived in the same neighborhood. Jim and Bina were married in 1951 and they had two daughters, Nancy and Cheryl. He loved his wife and family and cited them as his proudest accomplishment. Jim's life revolved around his family, his and Bina's extended family and their close friends, who were much beloved and cherished. He was famous for 'looking up' friends and family. Jim and his father spent much time together fishing. Upon his father's death, he and his uncle Francis fished and camped, traveled and vacationed together. The two families spent many happy and cherished times together. Jim was a history buff and the family vacations to battlefields, museums, historic sites and national parks were a source of much adventure and enjoyment. Jim had an innate sense of humor and was funny and a lot of fun. Even when he became increasingly incapacitated, he was a source of many humorous anecdotes of the things he said and did. Disease and dementia eventually took their toll and Jim passed away on January 26, 2016 with his wife and daughters by his side. He is survived by his wife Bina, and his daughters, Nancy Caris and Cheryl Leskoviansky, his sisters, Sally, June and Sandy and six grandchildren. He will be buried at Great Lakes National Cemetery where a memorial service will be held. The family wishes to express our immense gratitude to all the neighbors, friends, healthcare workers and church family whose assistance, kindness, prayers and decency was an ongoing source of support as they cared for Jim. IF USING THE SYMPATHY STORE PLEASE SEND ALL SYMPATHY ITEMS TO THE FAMILYS HOME.