James Martin Jann, 82, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Wednesday, August 24, 2022. Jim was born on July 29, 1940, to Walter and Irma Jankowiak in South Bend, Indiana. He graduated from St. Joseph High School and then went on to attend the University of Notre Dame’s College of Business. Jim married his wife of sixty years, Delores (Wier) Jann, on October 13, 1962. They moved to Lansing, Michigan, where Jim became the Vice President of Lansing Stamping. Jim and Delores moved to Grand Rapids, MI, and had four wonderful daughters as well as his eight grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his daughter, Sherry Jann; and parents, Walter and Irma Jankowiak. He is survived by his wife, Delores; three daughters, Terrie (John) Kloosterman, Tammy (Gary) VanderStelt, Stacie (John) Sokolowski; grandchildren, Tayler (Davey) Sedlecky, Ashley (Ben) Gorman, Sherry, Ryan, Jenna & Brady Sokolowski, Gary and Gregory VanderStelt; and brother, Wayne (Laurie) Jann.
Jim spent much of his life as a designer and innovator. He was a talented ice skater, photographer, and woodworker. Jim had a successful career as an executive at Gordon Manufacturing and started his own business in office seating later in life, where he obtained several patents. He was an avid lover of science, history, and the unknown.
Visitation with the family will be held on August 29, 2022, from 9am-11am, with a time of sharing starting at 10am, at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Interment will take place at Southlawn Cemetery, 61430 US-31, South Bend, IN 46614 at 3:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 1471 E. 12 Mile Road Madison Heights, MI 48071 or Faith Hospice, 2100 Raybrook SE Suite 300 Grand Rapids, MI 49546.
4 Responses
Mike and I always enjoyed our conversations with James or as we called him tami’s dad. His love for his family was evident as was their love for him. I am always amazed at a life well lived as his surely was. Praying for your family’s comfort during this difficult time. As he has journeyed on we know one day he will greet us again and fill us in:)
We are so incredibly sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I wish we could make it up but we all have to work on Monday.
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” Matthew 5:4. So sorry for your loss Tammy and family. My prayers are with you at this difficult time.
So Soory for your loss-Our thoughts and prayers our with your family-Hopefully, your memories will help you at this difficult time.