George F Kaufman

GEORGE "JIGGS" FREDERICK KAUFMAN

Beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle and friend passed away on Monday, December 7, 2015 in the care of his family. He was born on October 31, 1924 to Leo and Laura at their home in St. Clair Shores, MI. His parents, Leo and Laura, brother Dubby (Alma) Kaufman, his two sisters, Ruth (Tiny) Lane and Marie (Kim) Kimmel preceded him to heaven.

George graduated from Lakeview High School in 1943. He was a 14 letter man in basketball, baseball, football and track. After graduating high school, he played for the Toledo Mud Hens and spent 5 years in the minor leagues pitching in the old St. Louis Browns' farm system. A sore arm ended his sports career and he returned to St. Clair Shores.

George married and had 5 children; Kathy (Nancy) Kaufman, Margo (Steve) Beemer, Carol (Rick) Maes, Suzy Young and Kellly (Cheri) Kaufman, many grandchildren and great grandchildren who all survive him. In 1948 he was named St. Clair Shores assistant recreation director on a part time basis and also worked part time for the Ford Motor Company. He became the fulltime Recreation Director 1957. In 1962 he was appointed City Clerk and held that job until he retired in 1982. George had worked for the city all his working life and enjoyed everyday he went to work; it was fitting that during his tenure he was the first city employee to have a park named in his honor.

After he retired, he married Enis Morgan and enjoyed a loving 33 years together and welcomed 3 more daughters; Val (Irv) Strem, JoAnn (John) McCarthy and Judy (Kimo) Chun and their children and grandchildren, into his family. George and Enis moved to Palmetto, FL and enjoyed their retirement in the company of many friends they made at Leisure Lakes where George lived like a kid at heart, golfing and participating in many fun laughable activities. Health reasons had them back in Michigan to be with family in 2012.

George loved being with family and friends, and always wore a smile and radiated with a joy for life. George always said that he couldn't have had a better life- he never met anyone he didn't like - Life Was Good!

A private funeral is being planned. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heart to Heart Hospice, 30800 Telegraph Rd. Suite 1850, Bingham Farms, MI 48025.