LAKE LEELANAU — James Paul Wenstrup, 62, of Lake Leelanau passed away on Monday, July 6, 2026, at Munson Medical Center, surrounded by the love of his family.

Jim was born on October 2, 1963, in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, the son of Robert Edward and Mary Ellen (Harmeyer) Wenstrup.

Jim had a deep love for the water and for the history that surrounded it. A lifelong admirer of wooden boats, he proudly owned a beautiful Century and looked forward to every boating season. He was one of the first each spring to launch his boat, never bothered by the cold water if it meant getting back on the lake. He coordinated the annual Wooden Boat Parade on Lake Leelanau and was the originator of Woody’s on the Wall, bringing together others who shared his appreciation for classic wooden boats. He also served as a board member of the Leland Yacht Club and was an active member of the Leelanau Historical Society at the Old Art Building in Leland.

Jim loved traditions and paid attention to the little details that others often overlooked. He never took a boat onto the water without proudly flying a flag. He was an avid bird watcher, a passion he shared with his father, and found peace in spending time outdoors observing nature.

Family meant everything to Jim. He rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his nieces and nephews, faithfully attending their sporting events throughout their high school and college years. Jim was the kind of person who was always looking out for others, checking on friends’ homes during the winter months while they were away, volunteering in the community whenever he could, and never hesitating to lend a helping hand.

Jim enjoyed gathering with friends at local establishments, where he proudly embraced his Kentucky roots and never passed up a good conversation. He also had a special fondness for his Camaro Z28, another reflection of his appreciation for classic craftsmanship and things built to last.

Jim is survived by his brothers, Mark (Kathy) Wenstrup, Larry (Linda) Wenstrup, and Mike (Stacy) Wenstrup; his nieces and nephews, Brian (Stella) Wenstrup, Jill (Michael) Taylor, Elliot (Lauren) Wenstrup, Kelly (Will) Hunt, Katie (Chris) Keating, Lauren (Corey) Myers, Bob (Kelsey) Wenstrup, Thomas Wenstrup, and Nicole Wenstrup; and his dear friend, Janie Markham.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Edward and Mary Ellen Wenstrup. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. with the family greeting friends from 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at St. Wenceslaus Church in Gills Pier. Burial will follow at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery. Father James Siler will serve as celebrant.

Memorial donations in Jim’s memory may be directed to Leelanau Christian Neighbors, P.O. Box 196, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653, an organization that was close to Jim’s heart and where he generously volunteered his time helping others in the community.

Please share condolences and memories with Jim’s family at www.martinson.info.

Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Leelanau.