Jim was a wonderful, thoughtful, generous, compassionate and loving soul. He was so loved by everyone who knew him.

Jim devoted his career to helping people, especially children. He started his professional career even while in college at Western Michigan University, being part of the development of the Kalamazoo Learning Village, where he was also the assistant director. He went on to become a child therapist, supporting childhood development.

He had a 36-year career at Child & Family services, starting as a social worker and retiring as Executive Director in 2016. He also served on Northport and North Ed’s School Boards for a combined 25 years. He touched his community in countless ways, changing the lives of so many children and families — leaving ripples and butterfly effects that will continue for years to come.

Jim had many passions. First and foremost, spending time with his family. He was an avid photographer, loved playing and watching golf, loved music, art, gardening, sailing, fishing, playing cards, watching sports (Lions, Tigers, Michigan Wolverines, tennis, football, basketball, and Formula One), and cooking (an amazing chef!). He always loved to travel, whether it being backpacking and camping around the US and Canada, or international trips with his family.

Jim was a lifelong learner. A constant reader, he was both wise and incredibly open minded; well versed in just about every subject — and if he didn’t know about something, he would ask questions or begin researching. The depth of Jim’s mind was so deep and his constant 1950 ~ 2025

curiosity to learn and understand the world and others was endless. His curiosity translated into compassion. He listened in ways that made the people around him feel seen, he asked questions that made them feel valued, and he carried a wisdom with a gentleness that lifted those around him. His laugh lit up any conversation or room.

His greatest joy came from his family. His parents, Bernie and Lee, preceded him in death. He leaves behind his wife, Deb, children, Lauren (Dave) and Nathan (Tara), and grandchildren, Sidney, Silas and Numi. Jim also leaves his brothers Rick ( Joni), and Dave (Carrol, previously deceased) and their families, father-inlaw, Ivan (Eileen, previously deceased), brothers and sisters-in-law, Bob (Patricia), Patricia (Rick), and Scott (Victoria) and their families.

To know Jim, was to know a one-of-a-kind human being who has left deep footprints forever on our heart and within our all our lives. He will be so lovingly remembered by all who knew him. Words cannot express how much he’ll be missed.

We will gather with family and friends from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on October 9th, 2025 at Shady Lane Cellars, 9580 E. Shady Lane, Suttons Bay, MI 49682 Memorial donations may be given to Child & Family Services of Northwest Michigan at www.cfsnwmi.org and / or Northwest Education Services at www. northwested.org.

Please share condolences with Jim’s family at www.martinson.info Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.