James Stump Obituary

James "Jim" Gilbert Stump

Delta Township

Age 83, peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family on November 19, 2015 in Lansing, MI. He was born in Lansing, MI, on February 10, 1932, to Gilbert J. and Marie E. (Remus) Stump. He attended Holy Cross Grade School and graduated from St. Mary's High School in Lansing. He was a 3 sport athlete and was drafted by the Detroit Tigers Baseball Organization. He was drafted and honorably served his country in the U.S. Army from 1952-1954. He returned to the Detroit Tigers Farm System and was called up in 1957 to pitch his first major league game, and the first batter he faced was Ted Williams. He retired after a shoulder injury in in 1960. In 1964 he began working for General Motors Oldsmobile Division and retired after 27 years. In 1991 he was inducted into the Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame. Jim was a lifelong MSU Spartan fan and tailgating was one of his favorite activities. He loved spending time with his family and attending his grandchildren's games.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 25 years, Carmen, in 1988. Surviving to cherish his memory are his son Jeffrey (Marcy) Stump; daughters Amy (Steve) Ernst and Betsy (Doug) Nylander; grandchildren Allison and Maddie Stump, Frank, Charlie, Audrey, and Teddy Nylander; brother-in-law Harry Joseph; and sisters-in-law Carol Duguay and Mary Lou Smith.

Visitation is from 2-4, 6-8 P.M. Monday, November 23, 2015 with a 7:00 P.M. Vigil Service in the Tiffany Funeral Home, 3232 W. Saginaw, Lansing, MI 48917. Funeral Liturgy is 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, November 24, 2015, at St. Gerard Catholic Church, 4437 W. Willow, Lansing, with Fr. John P. Klein presiding, and Viewing from 9:30 to 10:30 A.M. Rite of committal St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Hospice House of Mid-Michigan. Friends may visit the guest book at www.tiffanyfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lansing State Journal on Nov. 22, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for James Stump

12 Entries

Peter Arzberger

November 27, 2015

I'll miss Jim also. So sorry for your loss. I saw Jim months ago at Meijers. We had a long talk together then. I will not forget him.

Pat Bauer Molland

November 24, 2015

So fortunate to have shared our childhood and youth years together from grade 1 to grade 12.
You were a great athlete in baseball and basketball and let us not forget the guy with the "educated toe" who helped our football team.
My sincere sympathy to the family.

Zana Easton

November 24, 2015

I met Jim while still in high school, playing city league baseball with the Cozy Lounge team. I was 18, while Jim and most of the other players were in their mid to late thirties, which at the time, I thought was really old. What an education that summer was! Jim, and my other teammates were a wealth of baseball knowledge, and it was one of the best summers of my life. Jim was a great guy, and a great baseball player! My sincere condolences to Jim's family. I'm sure he will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

Jim Kavanagh

November 24, 2015

Mr. Stump was one of my baseball coaches at Holy Cross. He was always helpful and encouraging, and he always made sure we kids were having fun -- even if we weren't very good players. Thank you, Mr. Stump, for being such a positive part of my childhood.

Bill Masters

November 23, 2015

So sorry to hear of your loss. I net Jim on June 22, 2010. I called him, and he was kind enough to let a stranger into his home. He signed my book Baseball Player of the 1950's. Of course we talked a little baseball. Super nice man, and it was great to talk to him.

Bob Murray

November 23, 2015

I'm deeply saddened by Jim's passing.
We were next door neighbors during our youth. I caught many simulated games on the sidewalk in front of our houses. Early on it was obvious that he had special athletic skills, especially throwing a baseball. As a Tiger farmhand he was compared to Tommy Bridges who in 1930/40's possessed a curveball without peer. I will always remember the thrill I had watching him pitch in Briggs Stadium. Sorry that I can't be there to bid him a final good-bye.

Danise Audette

November 23, 2015

Jeff, Amy and Betsy - I am so very sorry for your loss. Your Dad was an awesome man! I have many fond memories of him and will always remember his smile and his laugh! Sending you all my love! Keep your memories close and be there for each other!

Mary & Bob Corbett

November 23, 2015

So sorry for your loss Jeff and to your entire family. I could feel the devotion you had for your dad. God's blessing to you all!

Bobby Wilcox

November 22, 2015

Wow, a true legend just left us. To some of us that are old enough, there are people and moments that did and are historical things that seem just like yesterday. Time is a mystery but it can never take great moments and great people out of our hearts. Jim was a great athlete but more than that a great guy. We need more Jim Stumps these days.Prayers go out to his family and for his memory.

November 22, 2015

Rest in peace Sir. Thank you for your service and just living a good life. The world misses people like you, just the good guy.
Michelle

Bob Ehrenberger

November 21, 2015

I met Jim in about 1985. He was one of those people that became an instant friend. I will miss his gentle demeanor.

Kristina Godfrey

November 21, 2015

I am so lucky to have known this man! I will always remember that face that held such a kind smile. Now I will celebrate his memory. God bless you all and may he rest in peace! Heaven has surely received a shining star! Love, Kristina Godfrey & Family

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