James Leslie Hettmansperger

James Leslie "Jimmy" Hettmansperger, 42, of Vandalia, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025. He was born in South Bend, Indiana, on Nov. 29, 1982, to James and Donna (Helman) Hettmansperger, who survive him.

Jimmy is also survived by his sisters, Stephanie Hettmansperger and Michelle Hettsmansperger; niece, Jasmine Branson; aunt, Rhonda Weaver; and an extended host of cousins and second cousins.

Cremation was chosen and will take place at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. in Elkhart, Indiana. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Nov. 29, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Cass County Conservation Club, 13710 U.S. 12, Union, MI 49130. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Cass County Animal Control/Shelter, 323 M-62, Cassopolis, MI 49031, as Jimmy had a love for all animals. Friends and family are also welcome to plant a tree in Jimmy's memory by visiting www.billingsfuneralhome.com on their tribute wall.

Jimmy was a kind person with a smile that could light up a room and was good at making people laugh. He worked as a bartender at Zimmy's in Union, Michigan, and worked from home building guitars and working on guitar repairs. He learned this trade through Galloup Guitars in Michigan. He enjoyed playing music and often played alongside his friends in "The Incredible Johnsons" Band.

Jimmy was a fantastic cook and was an excellent grill master. His father taught him to be a mason tender where he laid brick to make his own fire pit lovingly known as "the big deck." Jimmy never met a stranger and enjoyed spending time with his many friends whenever he had the chance. He will be greatly missed by his loving family, his many friends and by his community.