The Mentor So Many Called Dad
Jim grew up in DeMolay and became an Advisor after joining the Masons. He led multiple DeMolay youth groups in Dowagiac and Niles for more than 30 years. He received numerous awards for his dedication and leadership, including the prestigious Cross of Honor. Even as adults, many of his “kids” still called him Dad. Jim also served as a DeMolay District Officer. Although he was encouraged several times to run for a Masonic state office, he always declined.
Jim was a 50-year member of Dowagiac Peninsular Lodge No. 10. He worked his way up to Worshipful Master and served in that role three times over a period of more than 10 years. Under his leadership, the Lodge cleared a nature trail through the woods of a local elementary school so children could learn more about the outdoors. He also helped bring the Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall to Dowagiac and organized summer picnics for Masons and their families at a local park.
Jim was instrumental in bringing the Child ID Program to Dowagiac, Decatur, and Cassopolis. He also helped establish a reading program in three local elementary schools. The student in each grade who read the most books received a bicycle donated by the Lodge. When local veterans were no longer able to organize the Memorial Day Parade, Jim and the Lodge stepped in to take on the responsibility. He recruited speakers, coordinated parade participants, and directed the parade for 20 years.
Jim graduated from Lake Superior State University and loved Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. We took several vacations there, including trips to Mackinac Island, a place we both cherished. We also enjoyed many family vacations to Disney World. Jim was a kind, loving family man who was always thinking of others.
After a 42-year career as a chemist, Jim retired from LECO Corporation. His retirement party was even Disney-themed. He was instrumental in introducing my brother-in-law to Freemasonry. The four of us, my sister, brother-in-law, Jim, and I, traveled together to Washington, D.C., visiting Masonic lodges in Washington, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Jim truly loved the Masons and all they stood for. He passed away in 2019, and I am so grateful we took that trip together.
Jim’s commitment to community service was extraordinary. He served as a member and later President of the Dowagiac Dogwood Fine Arts Festival for approximately 10 years. This week-long event showcased artists, vocalists, musicians, storytellers, aerial performers, and special programs featuring local students. The festival also highlighted student artwork and performances, as well as productions by the local theater group.
Sadly, after Jim passed away, the festival gradually came to an end because no one was willing to take on the tremendous responsibility of organizing such a large event.
Jim also served on the Finance Committee at our church, where he helped receive, count, and deposit weekly offerings. In addition, he would go to the church on Saturday evenings to prepare the coffee bar for Sunday services so that everything would be ready the next morning.
Jim and I married at the ripe old age of 40, and at the time, I had a teenage daughter living with me. I asked her if she would like to share a few words about him. Her response follows:
“Jim was my stepdad. He came into my life when I was 16, and I was emotionally struggling. He had every reason to dislike, distrust, or maybe even hate me. Instead, he took wonderful care of me and came to love me. He loved my mom and treated her well, and when my son was born, he loved him too. He always made my son feel special and talked to him like a little man.
Jim never treated me like the troubled teenager I was. I wasn’t the best daughter, but the last words he ever said to me were, ‘I love you,’ and I knew he meant it. He was one special man. I miss him.”
I miss him too. Many people miss Jim. He was truly one of a kind.
Submitted by: Karen, his loving wife