James J. Scharl; of Clarkston, MI; born June 3, 1944 in Detroit, MI to Joseph and Kathryn Scharl; passed away on January 3, 2025 at the age of 80; Husband of Katherine (nee Ballard); father of Jennifer (Christopher) Lange, Matthew A. Scharl and Leah (Leo) Foley; grandpa of Julia (Gregory) Roberts, Alexander Lange, Jillian Lange and James Foley; great grandpa of Aiden and Lucas; brother of Jane (late Jerry) Coonce;
Jim attended the University of Michigan on a football scholarship and graduated in 1967 with a BS in Landscape Architecture. Although a knee injury suffered during the spring game his sophomore year ended his playing career he remained active with the team as a manager until graduation. Jim was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and it was at U of M that he met Kathi Scharl (nee Ballard), his wife of 58 years. Not long after graduation Jim started at Kieft Engineering where he spent his entire career as a land surveyor. In that time, Jim saw the company through its 50th anniversary and left his mark in the community through the many neighborhoods he designed throughout Clarkston and Oakland County. Jim retired as president and owner of Kieft Engineering, leaving a flourishing business that remains a leader in civil engineering and land surveying. Throughout his life Jim’s sporting interests included sailing and racquetball, and he and Kathi were avid golfers. He was a wine connoisseur and remained a steadfast and proud Michigan Football fan. He looked forward to his annual fishing trips to Rainy River Lodge in Canada. Together Jim and Kathi traveled extensively, including trips to the British Virgin Islands, Alaska, Hawaii, New Zealand and Australia, Great Britain, Banff, Alberta, and many destinations in the USA
Jim will be remembered for being a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Jim’s family was the pride of his life and he took joy in his children and grandchildren’s athletic, academic and professional accomplishments. Christmas and birthdays were always special when Jim was around because he was well known for his thoughtfulness and surprises. Friends may visit Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home, Clarkston on Wednesday, January 8th from 4 to 8 p.m. Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, January 9 at 12:30 p.m. at Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home, Clarkston with a reception to follow at the Deer Lake Athletic Club. Memorials may be made to Clarkston Scamp or Drew’s Home of Clarkston.
Please leave a memory or condolence on the online guestbook at www.wintfuneralhome.com