James M. Krantz

James Michael Krantz, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin and friend, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 25, 2007 at the age of 60.



Jim was the son of Harry and Monica Krantz. He was born in Bay City, Michigan on December 5, 1946. He graduated from St. James High School in 1965.



He married his high school sweetheart Margaret on August 16, 1969.



Jim was the President of James M. Krantz Construction Corporation. Although the company began in 1984, his start in construction spanned over forty years. After working within the construction industry in Michigan, Jim moved with his family to Florida in 1980 and began the process of teaching his son Roland everything he knew, from beginning to end. For every trade working on their projects, one could find both men working in the field, side-by-side, overseeing every detail and many times doing the work themselves. Their zeal, determination and attention to detail helped them earn great respect in the industry. Jobsite signs are often found saying "Quality only happens when you care enough to do your very best". In addition to working with his son, Jim took great care to teach his daughters how to work hard and "give it all you've got". The company was nothing less than an amazing example of a successful family-run business.



Jim was known for his servant's heart and was always the first to lend a helping hand. He spent his lifetime helping others in need, both in business and at home. He had a real love for Jesus Christ and proved it by traveling extensively to Africa and China to build churches and schools. His nonprofit work also extended to his own community, where he helped build the playground at First Baptist Church of Orlando and worked on multiple projects for local high schools and charities.



He was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Orlando and had longstanding friendships with members of his and Margaret's Sunday school class.





He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Richard, all of Bay City, Michigan.



In addition to his wife Margaret, he is survived by his son Roland (Christina); daughters Sarah and Rachel; three beautiful grandsons, Roland, Jackson and Luke that he adored; 5 sisters; 2 brothers; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.





Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 29, 2007 from 4:00-8:00 PM at Newcomer Family Funeral Home, 895 S. Goldenrod Road, Orlando.

A Celebration of his life will be held at 6:00 PM on Thursday, Dec. 6, 2007 in the Henry Chapel of First Baptist Church, Orlando with Pastor David Uth officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the James M. Krantz Memorial Fund, 1400 Appleton Ave. Orlando, FL 32806.