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James Bobel Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce that James Michael (Jim) Bobel, 82, of Brighton, Michigan, passed away on January 7, 2025 with his family at his side. Jim was born on July 14, 1942 to Zenon and Anne Bobel in Detroit, Michigan. A man of remarkable talent, devotion, and kindness, he lived a life rich in love, family, and accomplishment.
As a standout athlete, Jim was the game-winning pitcher for the University of Michigan in the 1962 NCAA College World Series in Omaha. In an unforgettable 15th inning, he not only secured victory on the mound but also scored the winning run, cementing his place in Michigan baseball history. Later in life, he shared his love for the game as a coach, inspiring young players with his wisdom and passion. His passion for the game was only surpassed by his devotion to his family.
Off the field, Jim built a successful career as a businessman, retiring at 59 to enjoy life's simpler pleasures. He loved nothing more than spending time with his grandchildren, watching them pursue their passions, playing rounds of golf and cherishing every moment with his beloved wife of 61 years, Darlene. Their extraordinary bond was a testament to love, partnership, and unwavering support. Together, they built a family legacy full of laughter, joy, and unconditional love.
As a proud father of four, grandfather of ten, and great-grandfather of two, Jim found his greatest joy in the moments spent with his loved ones, bringing light and guidance to every life he touched. His family and friends will always remember his warmth, wisdom, and steadfast dedication to those he loved.
Jim was a devoted husband to Darlene, loving father to son Jay (Julie) Bobel, and daughters, Jill (Paul) Gluchowski, Beth (Bill) DesRochers, and Erin (Sam) Cox, cherished grandfather to Nolan (Nyssa) Gluchowski, Josh Bobel (his faithful caretaker), Allie Gluchowski, Emily Bobel, Abby (Michael) Flynn, Hannah DesRochers, Phillip DesRochers, Anna (Tucker) Anderson, Avery Cox, and Charlie Cox, and proud great grandfather to Avalon Gluchowski and Frankie Flynn. Jim is also survived by his sister Sylvia (Ron) Sakuta and his brother Dan (Susan) Bobel.
A memorial mass will be held at 11:30am on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 9565 Musch Road, Brighton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the The Parkinson's Foundation or St. Vincent DePaul Society, Holy Spirit Catholic Church.
Rest in peace, James Michael Bobel. Your love and legacy will forever live on in the hearts of your family and all who knew you.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Lynne Rhodes Grady
February 5, 2025
Lots of great Cluster memories at the Bobel household! I´m so sorry for your loss! Hugging you in our hearts
Bob and Chris Patteri
February 1, 2025
Our first memory of Jim Bobel has to be him coaching on a baseball diamond. Because he was the most knowledgeable, caring individual we ever met.
Dick Post
January 16, 2025
Dick and Annie Post
All our condolences to Darlene and the whole Bobel family. I was a teammate on the 1962 championship team; Jim made us all famous, with his pitching and scoring the winning run. I remember quite well the 1961 Fall baseball practices - I was a walk-on, trying to make the team, and all these Detroit guys were such good athletes, and Jim was one of them. Some pitchers have a big wind up or something strange when they deliver the ball, but Jim just threw the ball over the plate. Before hitting against him, one thought it would be easy to hit him, but he always got the batters out. Certainly, Jim was a class person that will always be remembered by his teammates.
When Jim and Darlene lived in Naples, I visited them, and Jim and I had 2 great rounds of golf.
Thoughts from Dick and Annie Post
MARGIE AND DON
January 15, 2025
DALENE AND JIM HAVE BEEN OUR DEAREST FRIENDS FOR THE PAST 65 WONDERFUL YEARS. DURING OUR MANY VACATIONS, GET TOGETHERS, AND DINNERS JIM WAS ALWAYS A FANTASTIC AND HAPPY PERSON. HE WAS ALWAYS CONCERNED ABOUT EVERYONE AND WENT OUT OF HIS WAY TO MAKE THE DAY VERY ENJOYABLE. NO ONE COULD FIND A MORE GIVING AND GENEROUS PERSON.
I NEVER PLAYED BASEBALL WITH JIM BUT I KNOW HE REALIZED HE HIT A HOME RUN WHEN HE MARRIED DARLENE!!
JIM WILL BE GREATLY MISSED, WHEN I THINK OF HIM THERE WILL BE A SMILE ON MY FACE THINKING OF THE GREAT AND FUN TIMES WE ALL SHARED.
PEACE AND LOVE TO JIM, DARLENE, AND THE BOBEL FAMILY.
MARGIE AND DON
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Dave and Diane Campbell
January 14, 2025
Not only was Jim a valued baseball teammate but was also my first roommate at SAE. Dick Honig memoralized Jim's sensational NCAA Championship Game performance but my memories were more from our one year as roommates. While most of us were adjusting to school, fraternity life, and college dating all Jim would ever talk about was Darlene. He was exhibit A of a love-sick puppy.
Later in life we shared an obsession with golf by taking lessons, reading tips, and being sure that success on the driving range would lead to a great round. Unfortunately our baseball talent usually didn't carry over to golf
Deepest condolences to Darlene and the Bobel family. We all hope we've made a difference is someone's life and Jim certainly did. He will be missed
Dave and Diane Campbell
Joe Merullo
January 13, 2025
I was the catcher on the 62 Michigan baseball team. Jim was a memorable battery-mate, not only because of his desire to win, but also his work ethics. He challenged every batter with a competitive energy that was so strong. I loved catching him. Please extend my sincere condolences to his family.
Dave and Diane Campbell
January 13, 2025
Not only was Jim a valued teammate but he was also my first roommate at SAE. While most of us were trying to adjust to school, fraternity life, and college dating all we ever heard from Jim was talking about Darlene. He was central casting for a love-struck puppy.
Dick Hong listed Jim's sensational contributions during the 1962 National Championship Game, but I remember his frustrating sophomore year when he was plagued with arm miseries and how he never gave up and eventually was able to help us during the most critical part of the season.
Jim and I also shared a golf obsession later in life. Lessons, reading tips and being stars on the range usually gave way reality once we made it to the 3rd hole or so, but we always figured we'd find the secret the next day.
My wife Diane and I both enjoyed Jim and Darlene at our numerous baseball reunions and Diane forever remembers Darlene's kindness in the spring of 1964. Jim and I were both married by then and we were on our spring baseball trip to Arizona. Diane didn't really know many people in Ann Arbor and Darlene graciously invited her over for dinner one evening.
Father Time remains undefeated and all we can hope to do is love God and our family's and hope we make a few friends along the way and Jim certainly did that.
Deepest condolences to Darlene and the Bobel family.
Dave and Diane Campbell
Denny Spalla
January 10, 2025
Faith, family, and friends: it's an old cliche, but that was Jim. He was the absolute team player, dependable, resilient, courageous, giving, and strong-willed. No one could ever mistake his kindness for weakness; he was wicked smart and always gave it all for all of us. We will miss you, my friend.
Denny and Dee Spalla
Ron Tate
January 10, 2025
Jim and I roomed together on White Street in Ann Arbor and on road trips when our baseball team was out of town. He would frequently go home for the weekend and we would benefit upon his return as his family made sure he had food for the coming week. Jim was always pleasant to be around and I always enjoyed visiting with him and Darlene when we attended our baseball team reunions. We played a lot of gin rummy together and he always called me "the luckiest guy in the world" when he lost. I have been very lucky to have roomed with him and known him all these years, and I send all my best to Darlene and the family in their time of grieving. Jim will be missed. A truly good guy.
Dick Honig
January 10, 2025
I was a member of the Michigan Baseball team with Jim. We were competitors on the sandlot of Detroit prior to going to Michigan. We will always remember Jim as having a sore arm - yet when it came down to crunch time - Jim was able to be the winning pitcher in the Regional final - and the winning pitcher in the National Championship game. He also got a key hit in that 15th inning when we went ahead. He was always with a smile. He and Darlene were always present at our almost annual team reunions. Jim we will miss you. Our deepest sympathies go out to the whole extended Bobel family Dick and Lee Honig
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