JACKSON, Mich. — James M. Kaufman, age 79, was called home by the Lord Jesus Christ on June 15, 2014. Jim was born on October 18, 1934, to Clarence and Lois (Webb) Kaufman in Scott Township, Indiana. Jim's parents preceded him in death as well as his son, Timothy; grandson, Dane Kinner; and his sister, Bonnie Johnson. Even though we know that "absent from the body is to be present with the Lord" Jim left behind to mourn his earthly absence his wife, Delonna (Reed); remaining children: Jack Kaufman, Pennsylvania; Jerry (Kim), Indiana; Cortney (Nedra), Ohio.; Julie (David), Nebraska; and Suzette Kaufman, Michigan. Jim is also survived by fifteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. Surviving also are his sister, Barbara Penick of Indiana and his aunt and uncle Opal and Carl Hopper along with several cousins. Special in-laws include Orin and Annie Reed; David and Pat Reed; Dion and Vimol Reed; Doreen and Barry Howell; Devena Reed and Donneta Nygord. Jim served in the Air Force in Korea as an Air Control Tower Operator. His love of flying continued throughout his life. Jim graduated from Tri-State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. With his electrical and mechanical engineering skills, he excelled as the Director of Plant Operations at Community Medical Center, Scranton, Pa., and finished his career at the University of Michigan as Campus Director of Plant Operations. After retiring Jim was determined to learn to paint both with acrylics and oils and his abilities were enhanced by his engineering background. Jim was a Certified Electrical Engineer both in Indiana and Michigan. After Jim became a born again believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, he had a zeal for studying God's Word with a determined willingness to teach and share his insights and love of God's Word with his family, Sunday School and Bible Studies. His studies gave practical application and Jim was gifted in teaching and in his steadfast devotion to the truth of God's Word. Visitation will be held at Chas. J. Burden & Son Funeral Home Wednesday, June 18, from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Loomis Park Baptist Church on Thursday, June 19, 2014, at 1 p.m. led by Pastor Bob Castle. Viewing begins at noon. Jim will be buried beside his son Timothy at the South Scott Cemetery, Angola, Indiana, Thursday at 4 p.m. Family and friends are welcome to attend the graveside service. Following that service there will be a supper at the Pleasant Lake Baptist Church, Pleasant Lake, Indiana. Since Jim's diagnosis of Pancreatic Cancer, his caregivers at the U of M Cancer Center were determined and with God's Grace, Jim survived for over one year. Jim's children were equally determined to assist in Jim's care. Jim's final days were carefully watched over by a team from Allegiance Hospice Care. Jim's love of sharing the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ would be honored by gifts to any of his favorite charities such as The Gideons and Jeruel Baptist Church. His family would encourage gifts for Pancreatic Research. To send online condolences go to www.chasjburden.com.