James Stephen "Jim" Kaniuga

James Kaniuga was 75 years old in passing on 30 September 2025 at The Timbers of Cass County. "Jim" was born on 27 December 1949 at Lee Memorial Hospital in Dowagiac, MI. He attended Holy Maternity of Mary Catholic Primary School, Dowagiac Union High School, and Southwestern Michigan College where he was acclaimed for the highest admissions test scores. He was a devout member/donor of Dowagiac's Holy Maternity Of Mary Catholic Church.
Jim read non-fiction voraciously, and was a devoted Beatles music fan. He was a member of the DUHS Art Club who painted photo realistic oil portraits of the Beatles and various others. In the 1960s he designed ways to integrate Radio Shack analog and digital computer kits. He also designed and built complex HO scale train layouts.
Jim was a phenomenal athlete who could outrun people riding bicycles and dead-lift the rear end of a full size 1960's sedan, yet he disdained competition, saying he did "not want to beat anybody".
In his adult years, Jim was noted for his exceptional memory capabilities and content contributions to the Dowagiac Daily News and Chicago Tribune. Jim enjoyed efficiently completing many home renovations and remodeling projects.
As the third born member of the large Kaniuga family Jim enjoyed helping his four younger brothers learn walking, reading, drawing, sciences, bicycling and whatever…Jim was appreciated for kindness and helpfulness to all those around him and his extremely thoughtful gift giving.
Jim was predeceased by his parents; Stephen and Ellen Kaniuga. Jim is survived by his Brothers; John Kaniuga, Joseph (Molly) Kaniuga, Steven Kaniuga, Gregory (Pamela) Kaniuga, and Robert Kaniuga, and Sister Patricia (the late Donald) Stockton; his niece Andrea, and his ten nephews; Michael, Trent, Richard, David, Geoffrey (Stockton), John, Justin, Jason, Ryan and Sean; and seven great nieces and nephews; Julian, Lainie, Gavin, Parker, Maisie, Eliza, and Anya.
A memorial service is planned to honor Jim at 11:00 AM, on Thursday, 23 October 2025, at Dowagiac's Holy Maternity Of Mary Catholic Church, 219 N Front St, MI 49047. (269) 782-2808. ( https://www.holymaterniityofmary.com).Participants are invited to attend the Holy Mass and also participate in the memorial services and join the luncheon in the church lower level. Funeral services have been entrusted to Clark Chapel and Cremation Services, Dowagiac. Those wishing to sign Jim's Memory Book may do so at www.clarkch.com.