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James J. "Jim" Bartkowiak

1946 - 2024

James J. "Jim" Bartkowiak obituary, 1946-2024, Muskegon, MI

BORN

1946

DIED

2024

FUNERAL HOME

Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services - The Lee Chapel

6291 Harvey St.

Norton Shores, Michigan

James Bartkowiak Obituary

James J. "Jim" Bartkowiak, age 78, passed away at home on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 17, 1946, to Chester and Doris (Michalak) Bartkowiak in Bay City, MI. He attended Divine Word Seminary in Perrysburg, OH and graduated in 1964. He continued his education at Saginaw Valley University where he received his bachelor's degree in business in 1973. Jim was a dedicated employee of Howmet where he worked as a director of internal audit for 15 years before continuing his career working for the State of Michigan, where he retired from in 2009. On August 6, 1966, he married the former Linda Parker and together they cherished 34 years. She preceded him in death on February 18, 2001. Jim was lucky to have had a love strike twice and married the former, Barbara Blink, on March 22, 2002. They cherished 22 years full of love and laughter. Jim was a member of Calvin Christian Reformed Church, where he was part of the men's prayer group and formerly very active in De Colores Ministries. In his earlier years, he was also an eagle's scout. He had many hobbies over the years, whether it was working on or taking his Corvette out for a joy ride, taking pictures of the beauty nature offered, or escaping the Michigan winters to the sunshine state of Florida. Jim was a skilled wood worker creating baby cradles and a grandfather clock his family could cherish for years to come. He also was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and camping. Above all, he truly cherished the moments spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Bartkowiak; two children, Tim (Marne) Bartkowiak and Chris (Larry) Dion; stepchildren, Jeffrey (Sarah) St. Amour and Jennifer (Jerry) Brady; 9 grandchildren, Nathan (Brittany) Dion, Amber (Aaron) Schumann, Trevor (Aidee) Bartkowiak, Noelle Bartkowiak, Madison Bartkowiak, Konnor St. Amour, Delaney St. Amour, Aine Brady and Padraig-Jeremiah Brady; seven great-grandchildren, Jonathon, Keira, Landon, Aiden, Ella, Liam and Landon; two brothers, Michael (Mary Lou) Bartkowiak and Thomas (Lori) Bartkowiak; sister, Tina Bartkowiak; numerous nieces and nephews; and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Linda Bartkowiak; and granddaughter, Brittny Dion. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Calvin Christian Reformed Church, 973 W. Norton Ave., Muskegon, MI 49441 with visitation one-hour prior. A Visitation with the family will be held from 4-8:00 PM on Monday, December 2, 2024, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Memorial Contributions in Jim's honor can be directed to the family. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.

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

Published by Muskegon Chronicle from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
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Barb Bartkowiak

February 14, 2025

to my darling Jim
Happy Valentine´s Day in heaven love you with all my heart
Your wife Barb

Jim & Linda Hopper

December 15, 2024

We were very lucky to have been introduced to Jim a couple of years ago when we were working with other neighbors to prevent the City of Norton Shores to permit the building of rental apartments in our family neighborhood. Because Jim had worked on a similar problem years ago, he was a huge help to us. He gave us practical advice as well as encouragement. Thanks to his help, the City voted not to approve this project. We will always be thankful to Jim's willingness to help his neighbors and to maintain the safety of his community.

Bob and Vicki Joiner

December 13, 2024

Sorry about Jim's passing. We knew him and Linda from the Evan. Free Chrch in Bay City, in the 60's and 70's.

Paul Kutylo

December 6, 2024

So sorry to hear of Jim´s passing away. I was a fellow seminarian at Perrysburg in high school. A wonderful man will be missed by all. May our Lord lead him into paradise with Him.

Wanda Essebaggers

December 6, 2024

Barb I'm very sorry for your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family! God bless

James Downing

December 6, 2024

Barb and children: I was so sorry to hear of Jim´s passing. I will cherish the few hours that we were able to spend at the Perrysburg reunion. May God bless and keep you and give you strength.

Debra Dykema

December 5, 2024

Barb, I am so sorry to see that Jim passed away. I just saw the obituary today. I´m sorry I didn´t get to the funeral or visitation.
Praying for you and your family.
With our deepest sympathy.

Ken And Carol Norwood

December 5, 2024

Barb, we are so very sorry for your loss! Jim was a great long time friend who will be deeply missed. I heart goes out to you and the family, our prayers ogre God´s comfort and peace thru your grieving. So sorry we missed Jim´s celebration of life.
Ken and Carol Norwood

Mike Cribbs

December 3, 2024

Jim will be missed in the neighborhood.

Ted and Maja Essebaggers

December 1, 2024

So very sorry for your loss, Barbara. So happy we met Jim last year and enjoyed each other´s company. RIP

Barb

November 30, 2024

Jack & Susan Heethouse

November 30, 2024

My condolences to you, Barb, Tim, and your families. Hugs and prayers to all of you.

Bruce & Barbara Wall

November 30, 2024

I am deeply sorry for the Bartkowiak Family, send love and hugs! Bruce &Barbara Wall

CHUCK RITCHARD

November 29, 2024

Jim will be a loss in many ways. He and I go back not just to our Howmet days but how we actively got the Norton Shores City Council ( which I was a member) to stop the housing project next to the school and make it compatible with the surrounding community. Jim and I were called back into service again just last November to remind the city of that agreement. He was always a pleasant, logical and soft spoken friend to be around.
He has been raised to a higher order and now maybe he can help keep the rest of us within the straight and narrow.
Condolences to his wife, Linda and his children. May God comfort them all as they grieve and celebrate Jim's promotion.

Dawn (Burley) Stephens

November 29, 2024

Sorry for your loss. My prayers are with the family and friends.

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Memorial Events
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Dec

2

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services - The Lee Chapel

6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444

Dec

3

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Calvin Christian Reformed Church

973 W. Norton Ave, Muskegon, MI

Dec

3

Funeral service

11:00 a.m.

Calvin Christian Reformed Church

973 W. Norton Ave, Muskegon, MI

Funeral services provided by:

Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services - The Lee Chapel

6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444

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