James “Jim” C. Kunze, age 69 of Plymouth, IN passed away on November 17, 2021 in his home.
Jim was born on June 28, 1952 in Sarnia, Ontario. After being a technical writer for Heath Kit and Martin Maretta in Michigan and Florida, he returned home to Plymouth to work for WTCA, the family’s radio stations. He was instrumental in creating, designing, and constructing WZOC 94.3.
Jim had a love affair with air travel and was a huge fan of hot air balloons. The radio station purchased one, which was used for years as an advertising tool and Jim was the pilot. Not only was he a hot air balloon pilot but also an instructor. Jim enjoyed meeting balloon pilots and their crews. He headed up the Marshall County Hot Air Affair during the Blueberry Festival when founder Jeff Jones stepped down. He loved traveling Indiana to participate in other hot air balloon events.
Jim will be missed by his wife, Renate Kunze; his stepdaughters: Birgit Andrea Spriegade (Horst) of Germany; Doris Köller (Willi) of Germany; his sons: Brian Kunze of Plymouth, IN; James (Jessica) Kunze of Knox, IN; and Major Kenneth (Tanya) Kunze of Okinawa, Japan. Sisters Kathy (Jim) Bottorff and Lora Ruhnow both of Plymouth.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth and Jeanne Kunze.
Cremation has been chosen and no services are scheduled.
Thank you to all our friends and community for your support during this difficult time.
Deaton-Clemens Van Gilder Funeral Home is privileged to be entrusted in assisting the family with arrangements.
Condolences may be left at: www.deatonclemensvangilderfuneralhome.com.
