Roll Call Tribute

James C. Karl 

April 9, 1940 - January 21, 2024 

James C. Karl, 83, of Midland, MI, joined his Lord and Savior on January 21, 2024 after a lengthy battle with many health issues.

James was born on April 9th, 1940 to Frank and Susie Karl in Galveston, TX. A lifelong Aggies fan, he attended Texas A&M University, majoring in Chemical Engineering.

Following graduation, he began his first job at Lubrizol where he met Judith (Davies) Karl. They married in July of 1956, going on to have three children, James, Catherine, and Michael. James' career changed course when he joined Dow Chemical. His new responsibilities meant frequent moves and travel with his family to Indonesia, Malaysia, Michigan, Texas, and Thailand. It was through these travels that James developed a passion for philanthropy.

James lived by his faith, serving as an elder at the Wheeler Road Church of Christ in Midland, MI and the Lake Jackson Church of Christ in Lake Jackson, TX. After retiring in 1995, James dedicated much of his time toward providing medical services and relief to people in Belize, Haiti, and Indonesia as President of TEARS International. In his final years, he enjoyed traveling with his wife and spending time with his many grandchildren.

James is preceded in death by his father, Frank; mother, Susie; brother; William, and brother-in-law; Robert Hawkins. He is survived by his wife, Judy Karl; his sister, Gloria Hawkins; his three children, James (Gwendolyn) Karl, Catherine (Glenn) Parker, and Michael (Heather) Karl; his seven grandchildren, Isabelle, Kyle, Andrew, Avery, Frank, Brooklynn, and Brylee; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Wheeler Road Church of Christ in Midland, MI at 11:00 AM.