James Austin

Mr. James K. Austin, age 87, died peacefully Saturday, June 9, 2007 with his family at his side. He was born November 21, 1919 in Lakeside to James L. and Oleva (Green) Austin, and lived in Muskegon for almost all of his life. Mr. Austin graduated from Muskegon High School in 1937, and was a WWII U.S. Navy veteran serving from 1940 to 1946 in the Submarine Service. He earned three degrees from the University of Michigan, was retired as the Administrator for Muskegon Public Schools, and served as the Director of Federal Programs. He was the past-president of Save Our Shoreline, receiving the Environmental Excellence Lifetime Achievement Award, was past president of the Economic Development Corporation, New Muskegon, The Lakeside Neighborhood Association, and the State of Michigan Planned Parenthood Association. He was a life member of the Muskegon Masonic Temple, Saladin Shrine Club, the Scottish Rite, VFW, and SubVets of WWII. He was also active in Port City Playhouse, the Muskegon Civic Theatre, and the Frauenthal Center Volunteers. Mr. Austin was a championship golfer, a charter boat captain, and enjoyed hunting and camping. On February 2, 1944 he married Marie Bentivoglio in Philadelphia, PA. SURVIVORS include his wife of 63 years, Marie; 2 daughters, Shelley Kolberg, Wendy (Mark Derby) Austin; 1 son, Samuel (Patti) Austin; 6 grandchildren, Matthew, Megan, and Ryan Kolberg, Nicole Austin, James Dolen and Logen Andrew Austin; special environmental friend, Darlene DeHudy; and his beloved friend Stanley the yellow lab. A celebration of Mr. Austin's life will be held Thursday, June 14 at the Muskegon Masonic Temple, 396 W. Clay from 2:00 - 4:00 PM. You may sign the on-line guest book at www.sytsemafh.com For a more lasting memorial, please consider Harbor Hospice Leila and Cyrus Poppen Hospice Residence.