James A. Harrington

Harrington, James A. Kalamazoo, MI James passed away on March 17, 2015 at age 72 after a long illness. Jim was born on June 19, 1942 in Evanston, IL to the late J. Earl and Katherine Sweeney Harrington. Jim grew up in the Chicago area and continued to be interested in Chicago history and politics. He was the National President of Junior Achievement in 1965-1966. Jim graduated from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Jim and his family moved to Kalamazoo in 1978 when he came to work for TFE Industries. When TFE moved to North Carolina, Jim chose to stay in Kalamazoo and started his own company, Engineered Material Sales. Jim was a member of many professional associations, including serving on the board of the International Association of Plastic Distributors and various other committees. A dedicated husband, father, mentor and friend, Jim filled his daughters' childhood with bike rides to the park and Root Beer Stand, Getcha-game, "races", music, dancing and trips that were great adventures for them. A workaholic in the best sense, his vacations centered around time at the family getaway on Rainy Lake in Canada, where he could be found fishing, reading, and playing cards in the evening in the cabin he built with his father, brother, and sister. Jim was also active in many community organizations, including serving on the board of Kalamazoo Public Schools for 8 years and as president from 1995-1997. He has been a member of the board of Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency KRESA since 2000, serving as president of the board for the last two years. Jim was proud of his involvement in the development of Kalamazoo Communities in Schools. While working with these organizations to improve life for all in his community, Jim developed many strong friendships with his colleagues which he treasured. Jim is survived by his wife, Susan Boyd Harrington; children, Leigh Erin and her husband, Kevin Harrington-Rosi and Laura K. Harrington; and granddaughter, Gabriella K. Harrington-Rosi; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, John Earl Harrington, Jr. and by his sister, Denyse K. Harrington and her husband, Harry Mantzuras. The family will greet friends on Friday, March 27, 2015, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Chapel, 3926 S. 9th St., Kalamazoo, MI 49009. A Memorial Service will be held at the Langeland's Chapel at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, 2015. Msgr. Michael Hazard will officiate. Memorials may be directed to the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, Communities in Schools or West Michigan Cancer Center. For more information about Jim's life, please visit this webpage:
http://www.mlive.com/news/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2015/03/kresa_board_president_james_ha.html