James Michael Stengel Sr.

James “Jim” Michael Stengel, Sr., beloved husband, father, and friend was born on September 4th, 1943, in Chicago, IL. Jim passed away on November 27th, 2023, in Pembroke Pines, FL.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Michelle Stengel; son James “Jim” Michael Stengel, Jr. of Scottsdale AZ; daughters Terrie (Richard) Holewinski of Ann Arbor, MI and Tracy (Sam) Hill of Irish Hills, MI; grandchildren Brittany and Ben Holewinski; and sister Susan Walsh of New Lenox, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, George “Terry” Stengel of Crown Point, IN.

Jim received a BS from Eastern Michigan University and later went on to earn his MS in Economics from the University of Michigan. He was a Vietnam Veteran who served five years as an Officer in the United States Army 1st Infantry Division. Jim earned his Ranger Tab and Airborne Wings during his time in the service. Jim retired from Ford Motor Company in Saline, Michigan in 1997 as a Skilled Trades Supervisor.

Jim had an unwavering love of the ocean.  He was an avid sailor and active member of the Island Packet Yacht Owners Association. In 1997 he and Michelle moved from their home in Michigan to the Florida Keys, where they kept and lived aboard their sailboat in Marathon, FL. They also had resided in Homestead, FL before settling in Pembroke Pines, FL in 2013. Jim had an active retirement, earning his USCG Captain’s License and becoming a Delivery Boat Captain, subsequently taking him to various locations up the east coast of the U.S. and many different islands in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. One of Jim’s most prized accomplishments happened in 2004, when he crossed the Atlantic Ocean in a thirty-five-foot sailboat departing from New Jersey, landing in the Azores and onto Portugal.

Most recently, Jim loved spending time with his German Shepherd, Ranger (also his Service Dog), and his Golden Retriever, Scout. Jim was a fierce Patriot with a deep and abiding love for the United States of America. He is remembered as hero to our country, a wonderful soul mate and husband to Michelle, as well as a great friend with a quick wit that was hard to match. He is greatly missed by the many who knew and loved him.

The family held a private commemoration. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, one of Jim’s most favored charities.