James Ganschow

James "Jim" M. Ganschow, 66, of Michigan City, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, surrounded by love and at peace.

Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Queen of All Saints Catholic Church with Rev. Jordan Fetcko officiating. Viewing will be held on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Root Funeral Home and on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Queen of All Saints Church-Legacy Center (prior to Mass).

Jim was born April 19, 1959, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to his parents, Norma (Bloomhuff) and Robert Ganschow, both of whom preceded Jim in death.

Surviving are his beloved wife, Joan (Carlson) Ganschow; their sons, Cletus (Sarina) Doyan of Jurupa Valley, California, and Jimmy (Meghan) Ganschow of La Porte, Indiana; grandchildren, Henry "Hank" and Vivien Ganschow, and Lumina and Aurelia Doyan; brothers, Jack Ganschow of La Porte, Indiana, Rick Ganschow of Michigan City, Indiana, and Robert "Chip" (Holly) Ganschow of Port Charlotte, Florida; sisters (in law) "The Carlson Girls," Sue Ann Carlson of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Debi Nabhan of Michigan City, Lori (Jerry) Wilson of Bridgman, Michigan, and Monique Cook of Michigan City; and many nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory.

Jim was a dedicated family man who was grounded by his Catholic faith. He would often muse that he met his wife Joan in second grade at Queen of All Saints School – "Our story was never boring." Jim followed his passions of family – a proud husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and the favorite "Uncle Jim" to all the nieces and nephews.

He was the life of family gatherings, quick with a joke, a story, or a gentle tease. He will be remembered for his generosity, his steady presence and the countless small acts that showed how deeply he cared. Everyone who knew him loved him for his kindness, his laughter and his unwavering loyalty.

Jim made his living in the automotive business for 42 years, where his honesty, quick wit and easy laugh made him a trusted colleague and a friend to customers and co-workers alike. He loved the work and the people in it.

Beyond his family and career, a 1977 graduate of Elston High School, he was a proud and involved student – playing in the band and competing on the baseball and wrestling teams – early signs of the energy and team spirit that would define his life.

He was involved in coaching football, baseball, the Elks, Moose and St. Joe Club. Jim followed his other passions – he was a professional fisherman who loved the quiet of the water and the thrill of the catch, and he generously gave his time coaching kids sports and guiding lives – always encouraging, always patient, and always there to celebrate effort and teamwork. An avid Chicago sports fan, Jim cheered loudly for the White Sox, the Cubs, Da Bears, the Bulls, the Blackhawks and Notre Dame, using every game as an excuse to bring people together. Jim had a remarkable sense of humor and a way of making everyone feel welcome and valued.

In honor of Jim, memorials may be made to The Social & Learning Institute, Queen of All Saints Church or Marquette High School.