James Joseph McDevitt

MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. - James Joseph McDevitt (Jim), 97, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at The Elms at Michigan City, IN. He will be remembered by those who were lucky enough to know him as a man of faith, with strong family values and an incredibly kind heart.

Jim was born on March 21, 1928, in Detroit, MI, to the late James and Mildred (Wines) McDevitt. On July 28, 1962, in Roseville, MI, he married the love of his life, Barbara Helen Clark who preceded him in death on May 1, 2023.

Jim was a veteran of the U.S Army Air Force and worked in real estate, spent time bartending and in sales in the automotive industry first with Nylok and then retiring from Commercial Steel Treating in 1990. He enjoyed traveling – especially he and Barbara's annual road trips to Florida in the winter and a memorable trip to Greece – golfing with friends and family and listening to Elvis Presley. He spent time as a proud member of the St. Ronald's Men's Club and was an avid Michigan Wolverine fan. But most of all, he loved his family and spending time with them, especially for holidays and special occasions, which he and Barbara hosted at their beloved home for decades.

Jim is survived by six children, Sherri (Ted) Kerhoulas, James Carter, Gary Wensink, Mark Wensink, Karyn (Ron) Rogers, and Donna (Tom) Ramsden; ten grandchildren Amy (Paul) Reed, Ronna Jurda, Shannon (Matt) McCune, Eddie Slanec, Dustin (Tammy) Slanec, Dane (Tiffany) Ramsden, Ryan Ramsden, Tori Ramsden, Siobhan Carter and Jaimee (Vishal) Shah; twelve great grandchildren; and 3 great-great grandchildren. Jim was also preceded in death by his three siblings, brother John McDevitt and his sisters the Honorable Judge Mary McDevitt and Mildred Wonsch.

A private family committal service will be held at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Roseville, MI and a Mass of Christian Burial will be held in springtime at St. Ronald's Catholic Church in Clinton Township, MI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Harbor Country Museum of History & Rail or to your favorite charitable organization in Jim's memory.