James John Stang

James John Stang, of Menominee, Mi, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 28, 2023, just days after celebrating his 91st birthday. Jim was born Oct. 21, 1932 to John & Lillian Stang. After graduating from Menominee High School, Jim earned a degree in Chemical Engineering from Michigan State University, where he met his wife, Willa Fay Bockstahler. He and Willa married in Dale, Indiana, before moving to Camp McClellan in Anniston, Alabama, where Jim completed Army boot camp then was stationed in Annapolis, MD as a Lieutenant. It was there that they welcomed their first child, Susan. In 1957, the family moved back to Menominee where Jim joined his father in the family trucking business, Stang Enterprises. The Stang family grew with the birth of two more daughters, Sandra and Marcia.
Jim truly loved Menominee and believed in giving back to the community, helping others, and service above self. People liked working on committees with him because he was always well prepared, extremely organized, kept on task and was a pleasure to work with. A dedicated member of the First Presbyterian Church in Menominee, Jim volunteered as an usher and counted the weekly offering, as well as working on various committees. Throughout the years, Jim was involved in numerous community organizations, including Rotary, the Menominee School Board, Menominee Ambassadors, Board of Directors for MFC First National Bank, the M & M Foundation, the Menominee Zoning Commission, and helping children to read in the elementary schools. He also invested in local start-up companies such as the De-Inking plant and the UP Jacket Factory.
Although Jim was a successful businessman and supported many local causes, both financially and with his time, he preferred to do his good deeds quietly and humbly, never seeking the spotlight or public recognition. Regardless, he was awarded many honors which include the Paul Harris Fellowship award, the Roger Derusha Endurance Award, and the Rotary Foundation District Service Award, plus recognition of thanks from several other causes he served.
While Jim could be a man of few words, he had a wonderful sense of humor and could crack jokes with the best of them. He was an incredibly hard worker, always doing things the correct way vs taking shortcuts to "just get something done". Over the years, his family has heard stories from co-workers, employees, customers, and even competitors about what a fair, smart, and conscientious businessman Jim was. There is a story about Jim owing someone $10, but the person moved out of town before he was re-paid. Several years later, when they met again, Jim reminded the gentleman of the debt and promptly paid him! The man hadn't even remembered the loan.
A wonderful husband and father, Jim took pride in caring for his family. He loved being a grandfather to his three grandsons and enjoyed attending band concerts, school plays, swim meets, and other school activities. It was natural for him to be a great role model for his grandsons on being an honorable gentleman, working hard, and achieving goals. Having a spirited, fun side, Jim also enjoyed league bowling, snowmobiling, and cheering for the Packers. Every Packer game day, Jim would be dressed in Packer gear from head to toe- literally!
Surviving Jim are his loving wife of 68 years, Willa, three daughters, Susan Polito (Phil) of Menominee, Sandra Kennedy (Jeff) of Green Bay, and Marcia Hubert (Mitch) of Menominee. He is also survived by three grandsons, Sean and Alex Kennedy (Madison), and Mitchell Janezic (Milwaukee). Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Sally McKenzie.
A visitation and memorial service will be held on Friday, November 10th at the First Presbyterian Church in Menominee. Visitation will be from 2 until 4 pm, with the Memorial Service at 4pm.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the James & Willa Stang Fund at the M&M Community Foundation or the Menominee Animal Shelter.