a loving father and long-time resident of Tustin, CA, has passed away unexpectedly on June 30th, 2018. He was 58 years old, & was out of town celebrating a close friend’s birthday in Las Vegas, NV.
James was born in Fontana on April 18th, 1960. He graduated from Fontana High School in 1978, then enlisted into the United States Air Force January 1st, 1983. While stationed in South Korea at Osan Air Base, he met Young Joo Karns, and on April 13th 1985 they were wed, and were married for 31 years. James was honorably discharged on January 1st, 1987 as a Sergeant, with both a commendation and achievement medal. In February of 1988 he had an honorary discharge from the California Air National Guard after a one-year enlistment as a Quality Control Technician with the Combat Communication Squadron.
Just over a decade later, on March 30th, 1997, he welcomed his beloved daughter Kaila Karns, who was one of the most important and treasured aspects of his life. James was a devoted father, family man, and an avid adventurer. He was always on the go and enjoyed many things in life, never letting his age limit what he could or wanted to do. Since he was young, James always was out skateboarding, motorcycling, camping, skiing; anything that was outdoors and dangerous he would go out of his way to try. This never changed. He enjoyed hiking and backpacking in Peru most recently, and traveled to a great number of countries, often telling stories of his travels as he had a uniquely sharp memory that never wore down through the years. He was also an extremely kind, loving, and thoughtful man. James often went out of his way to do things for those in need, from building homes on missions in Mexico, to just helping out neighbors around town with odd jobs. He has had friends from all over the world, and everywhere he goes more seemed to come thanks to his welcoming and warm personality. James was everyone’s go-to fixer upper as he always somehow knew exactly what to do and how to go about finding a solution to a situation or problem. His neighbors fondly remember him the resident pied piper, as all the neighborhood kids flocked to him to play and to do fun activities with. He had a strong and everlasting connection to his beloved daughter Kaila as well, being her best friend, lifelong ally, and cherished father all in one.
He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. James is survived by his mother Barbara Karns; his lifelong partner Young Joo Karns; his daughter Kaila Karns; his sister Karen Rabone and her husband Terry, as well as many more relatives and friends.
James has been preceded in death by his first daughter Christine Alex Karns, and father Robbin H. Karns Jr.
A funeral service is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on June 28th at Green Acres Memorial Park & Mortuary in Bloomington, CA.
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