James Vincent Kuntz, 73, passed away peacefully on February 12, 2026.

Born in Buffalo, New York, to the late Vincent and Marie (Gueldner) Kuntz, James carried strong values of faith, family, service, and responsibility throughout his life.

He graduated from Bishop Timon High School in Buffalo, NY, in 1970, and earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, graduating from the University of Detroit in 1978 where he was a proud member of the Theta Tau fraternity.

On June 25, 1977, James married the love of his life, Anna Mirga, at St. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Detroit, Michigan. Together, they shared 48 cherished years of marriage built on devotion, laughter, and unwavering love and respect.

James was known for his remarkable ability to fix just about anything — a true “MacGyver” to all who knew him. Whether it was a household repair, a mechanical challenge, or a creative solution to an unexpected problem, he approached everything with patience, ingenuity, and quiet confidence. He is remembered for his kindness, love and sense of humor.

He was a devoted father with a deep love for the outdoors, including hunting, fishing, gardening, trap shooting, and photography, who shared these passions with his children. An avid cyclist, James would often ride 30 to 40 miles along Macomb County trails, embracing the solitude and challenge of long rides. He was also a dedicated rider and fundraiser for the Tour de Cure bike races, supporting research through the American Diabetes Association.

Service to others was central to James’s life. He was a member of and volunteered at the Richmond Sportsmen’s Club and was a lifelong blood and pheresis donor with the American Red Cross, generously giving of himself to help countless others. He was an active and faithful member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, where he sang in the choir. He also mentored many young people as a Den Leader for Den 7, Cub Master for Pack 84, and Assistant Scout Master for Troop 73 in Richmond, leaving a lasting impression on the scouts he guided.

James is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Anna Maria (Mirga); his children, Robert (Monique) Kuntz, Steven (Molly) Withers, Michael Kuntz, Maria (Javier von Stecher) Kuntz, and Lieutenant Colonel David (Kim Botbyl) Kuntz, USMC; his cherished grandchildren, Bishop (Hannah) Tice, Bronte (Rudy) Sigler, Gabrielle Kuntz, Elliott Withers, Adalyne Withers, Penelope Kuntz, Vincent Kuntz, Stella Kuntz, Liam Lewis, Faustino von Stecher, and Gabriela von Stecher; and his beloved great-grandchildren, Theodore, Eleanor, Everett, and Willow.

He is also survived by his siblings, Jacqueline Kuntz, Judith (James Root) Kuntz, Thomas (the late Donna Eldred) Kuntz, and Vincent (Cynthia Van Ness) Kuntz; his niece, Jennifer Root; his nephew, David Root; and his brother-in-law, Tomas (Jerrie Varrone) Mirga.

The family honors the memory of James and invites you to visit and share memories on Wednesday, February 18, 2–8 p.m. at Kaatz Funeral Directors, Richmond, with rosary devotion and scripture services at 6 p.m. Rite of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, February 19, at St. Augustine Catholic Church, with 10 a.m. visitation. Fr. Mark Livingston, pastor, will officiate. Inurnment at St. Michael Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the St. Augustine Parish, American Red Cross or American Diabetes Association of Michigan.