Age 82, of Flint, passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at Flint’s Hurley Hospital. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. Expressions of sympathy may be shared on James’ tribute wall at detroitcremationsociety.com.

James “Jim” Richard Kangas was born on June 22, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest and Helmi (Kohtala) Kangas. Jim was especially proud of his Finnish Heritage. He spent his early years growing roots in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Graduating from high school in Milwaukee, WI, he later  went on to earn advanced degrees in Music History and Literature, and Library Science from the University of Michigan. He worked for over 50 years in both public and academic libraries including the Flint Public Library, Kettering University, and Oakland Comunity College. He also played viola in the Flint Symphony Orchestra for over 40 years. Jim was a great supporter of music and the arts. His philanthropy was well directed toward humanity, the environment, human and animals rights. He was a widely published poet and created a chapbook titled “Breath of Eden” in 2019. Jim developed a special affinity for his former street cats, Kitty, Archie, and Gracie.

Left to cherish his memory are John Alderman and special friends Patty Warner, Al Loup, Tom Nickey, Mary Smith Ntia, Scott Dennis, Jim Etzkorn, Liz Ireland-Curtis, and Susan Hardisty,

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Helmi (Kohtala) Kangas and brother Robert Allen Kangas.

“In the end, toast yourself – for whatever reason:
for hapless love, for words you meant to speak,
for having what it took to last the week.”
– Jim Kangas, from Short Take