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James J. Scharl

1944 - 2025

James J. Scharl obituary, 1944-2025, Clarkston, MI

BORN

1944

DIED

2025

FUNERAL HOME

Lewis E. Wint and Son Funeral Home - Clarkston

5929 South Main Street

Clarkston, Michigan

James Scharl Obituary

SCHARL, James J.; 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 & 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 4:00pm-8:00pm.


Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, January 9th at 12:30pm 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 below

Published by Lewis E. Wint and Son Funeral Home - Clarkston on Jan. 4, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
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Joe Schmoke

February 7, 2025

My high school buddy Jim Scharl... When we in our teens Jim would say "JS and JS, here we come!" To say we grew up together would be accurate. We both learned the latest dances at the Notre Dame HS weekly dances where it cost 25 cents to get in. And you had to be dressed nice. Jim and I took those new dance steps back to our high school, St. Anthony, in Detroit. We went to the beach, we double-dated. And I see that his obit posted by the funeral home, omitted his high school sports achievements: All State in track, All City in basketball, and All American in football, a national honor. After high school Jim and I played on softball teams. He was our home-run hitter. Jim and I continued our friendship after he married Kathi, but then I moved to Florida, where I still live, and calls became fewer and farther apart. I am especially saddened that I only heard about Jim's passing via an email from another high school friend on February 5. For Jim, I would have made the trip to Michigan... My sincere condolences to his family.

Steve Wolcott

January 15, 2025

Jim you (as a Senior Member and an Inspirational Leader of the "Burman Cousins Clan") are someone I always looked up to. I/we will miss you Jim. Steve (& Diane) Wolcott.

Harold and Mia Junek

January 13, 2025

Our thoughts and prayers to Kathi and entire Scharl family.

Mary O'Donnell

January 9, 2025

So sorry to hear. Thoughts for you Kathi

Darlene Goodwin-Olson

January 8, 2025

Jim was always a kind man to deal with and was highly respected in the community. He and Katherine were always a pleasure to visit with at Deer Lake Athletic Club. I never heard him say an unkind word and always had a warm smile to share. May he rest in peace and sincere condolences to the family.

Thomas Tippen

January 8, 2025

Jim, RIP. Enjoyed our many rounds of golf at AVCC and fishing stories out of Canada. Go Blue!

Leo Sakalian

January 7, 2025

Jim will be truly missed may Jim rest in pease God Bless all his Family ❤❤Jim was a Gentleman & a great businessman Jim was always a pleasure to do business with always was a great helping In tuff land development issues . God Bless ❤❤

Dave Fisher

January 7, 2025

Jim was a special person. A year older than me, I respected how intelligent he was to graduate and practice landscape architecture and engineering. I was on the field when Jim's knee was injured, ending his career, but he never let this unfortunate event bitter his love of the game or the team. I enjoyed seeing and chatting with him high in second two at home games. I will miss these moments.

Jen Hambell (Gill)

January 6, 2025

I was saddened to hear about Mr. Scharl’s passing. This family was one of my very first memories of Clarkston when we moved onto Deerhill Dr. It was a dirt road, at the time, and not yet fully developed with homes. Our families spent many days and nights in the ‘80s enjoying time with each other. I vividly remember the Super Bowl parties and the wine cellar that, seemingly, went on forever as a kid! He knew how to have fun and live life. My deepest condolences to Mrs. Scharl and the entire family.

Tim Hart

January 5, 2025

I will miss Jim! From day one over 30 years ago, he welcomed me as a coworker and friend into the Kieft Engineering family. As an employee and later his partner, I always appreciated his concern for his clients always servicing them with fairness and integrity. All Jim's coworkers and employees respected his guidance, mentorship and generosity as we worked on many Surveying and Engineering projects in the North Oakland County area.

Jim was a good friend and valued associate. He influenced many of us in a very positive way and left this community a better place.

Jack and Carol Ackerman

January 5, 2025

Jim was a wonderful friend and neighbor. We both had the same builder and they told Jim that there were some people building that they knew he would like. We immediately hit it off and became close friends. So many years of watching our kids grow up and so many wonderful memories. So glad we saw him in September and had a great dinner together. Our prayers and love to all the family. He will be missed by all.

Stu Davis

January 5, 2025

Jim was a friend of mine, a good friend - for nearly 60 years. We fished and golfed together when I lived in Clarkston. And after I moved to North Carolina, I was always welcomed along on the annual fishing trip to Chapleau, Ontario. No way to replace a pal like Jim - miss you buddy...

Kate Wight Pallister

January 5, 2025

My strongest memory of Jim is that he seemed always ready for a celebration. I do not have words to express the extent to which the world will miss him. Deepest sympathy to you, Kathi and family, as you make your way forward without him. Keep the memories and he will remain in your hearts forever.

Scott Hudson

January 5, 2025

80 is too young still. I’m sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. Always enjoyed his thoughts and professional input since 1984.

Jim & Sue Battishill

January 4, 2025

Kathie our heart felt sympathy goes to you and your family. Jim was a wonderful person and he’s at peace now. God bless him. Sorry we can’t attend his funeral but we’re thinking of you. Always, Jim & Sue Battishill

Melissa Wright

January 4, 2025

Jim was a legend to me. He has been a part of my life since I was a little girl. Finishing out my career as his employee was truly an awesome life changing experience. Jim taught be so much and was very generous to me and all who knew and loved him. He made me a stronger women and taught me so many life lessons! He was a rock when I went through my battle of cancer and was the fire the kept me moving when I wanted to roll over and cry. I consider it a great honor to have Mr. Jim in my life and I will carry him with me as long as I am here on this earth. Dang it all, I love you Jim and I will miss you but I have those great memories that will keep you alive in my heart forever. Life on earth is short so I will meet soon in heaven, until then... Kathi, I love you! I pray for your strength along with Jennifer, Matt, & Leah. I know this is so very hard... Love, Melissa

Lawrence D Cole

January 4, 2025

Love you man! Go Blue!

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Memorial Events
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Jan

8

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Lewis E. Wint and Son Funeral Home - Clarkston

5929 South Main Street, Clarkston, MI 48346

Jan

9

Memorial service

12:30 p.m.

Lewis E. Wint and Son Funeral Home - Clarkston

5929 South Main Street, Clarkston, MI 48346

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Lewis E. Wint and Son Funeral Home - Clarkston

5929 South Main Street, Clarkston, MI 48346