James Carl Underwood

James Carl Underwood, 78, of New Buffalo, MI passed away at Pine Ridge Nursing Home in Stevensville, MI on Sunday, May 10, 2015. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sommerfeld Chapel of New Buffalo, MI.   James was born on August 29, 1936 in Crawfordsville, IN, to Lowell and Juanita Underwood. On June 15, 1957 in New Buffalo, MI he married the late (Dec. 27, 2009) Joyce Marie Gropp. James worked for app. 40 yrs. as an upholsterer at Inter Royal in Michigan City. Thereafter he was a custodian for app. 10 yrs. at the New Buffalo Elementary School. James and Joyce both worked at Scotties Roller Bowl in New Buffalo during the late 80’s and into the early 90’s. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge in Michigan City, IN.   James is survived by his three children- Cheryl (John) Kalinowski, Carl Underwood and Ron (Sue) Underwood all of New Buffalo; grandchildren- Cristi, Jacob, Jonathon, Brittany, John, Jenna and Sarah; great grandchildren- Isabelle, Ella, Gabriel, Zane, Zander, Macey, Bailey and Maisen. He is preceded in death by his parents-Lowell and Juanita; step-father-Ralph Martz; his wife-Joyce; two brothers and two sisters.   A Celebration of Life service will take place on Thursday, May 14, 11:00 AM, at the Sommerfeld Chapel, 15 N. Barton St., New Buffalo, with Pastor James Whitman officiating. Visitation with the family will be on Wednesday, May 13, from 6:00-8:00 PM at the funeral home; and also one hour prior to the service on Thursday. The Moose Lodge will conduct services at 8pm Wednesday evening. Memorial contributions may be made to the Berrien County Baptist Church, Stevensville, MI. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.sommerfeldchapel.com