Jimmy Gaye Westman

Jimmy Gaye Westman (Jim), born March 30, 1931, in Cadillac, Michigan, passed away peacefully on his 94th birthday, March 30, 2025. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.
Jim proudly served in the United States Air Force, where he found great fulfillment. His love for his country and the camaraderie of service were lifelong sources of pride. After his time in the military, he worked as a laborer for General Motors and reminisced about those days often.
After returning from service abroad, he met and married the love of his life, Catherine Stenke. They were married 60 years until Cathy's passing in 2015. Together they built a life full of love, laughter, and family. In the summer they could be found at the family cottage, where all were invited for picnics, boat rides, card games and campfires. Later in life they spent many years as snowbirds in Florida where they had a great community of friends.
Family meant everything to Jim. He was deeply devoted to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His favorite tradition was the annual family pig roast where generations gathered to celebrate, share stories, and make memories. He especially treasured his role as a grandpa and great grandpa-always volunteering to don an embarrassingly funny costume for the Labor Day Boat Parade.
Jim could never pass up a good laugh. He was infamous for his one-liners. Phrases like "Look out for Johnny-Johnny Law", "It ain't rich, it's good", "You're weird" and "Who?" hold special meaning to those around him.
Jim always found joy in the simple things. A good game of cribbage or a puzzle were common ways to while away an afternoon. He loved the anticipation of his scratch-off tickets and actually had a big winner once.
He had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and could often be found hunting, fishing, golfing, or simply enjoying nature-watching the seasons change on the little lake where he spent so many years later in life. In his younger years, he also played competitive hockey, and passed that love down to the rest of the family.
Jimmy is survived by his children: Mike (Pam) Westman, Terri (John) LaVoy, Scott (Terrie) Westman, and Marty (Kathy) Westman; his sister, Joyce Kidder; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren, with one more expected; and many extended family members and friends who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents George and Tyra Margaret Westman; his cherished wife Catherine; his siblings Gordon, George Jr, Dean and Yvonne; and a beloved nephew, Dennis Westman, who was like a brother to him.
A memorial service to honor Jimmy's life will be held on Saturday, April 19 at 11:00 AM at Janowicz Family Funeral Home in Remus, Michigan. Visitation will begin an hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to McLaren Hospice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Jimmy Westman leaves behind a legacy of strength, kindness, and deep love for his family. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.