James J. Rudnick

1936 - 2021

James J. Rudnick
James John "Jim" Rudnick, 85, of Roscommon, passed away Saturday evening, November 27, 2021 at MidMichigan Medical Center in Midland. He was born August 11, 1936 in Bay City, son of the late August and Ann (Kasprzyk) Rudnick. Jim graduated from St. James Catholic School and went on to attend the University of Detroit. He later transferred to Michigan State University, earning a bachelor's degree in mathematics. Jim married the former Elizabeth "Betty" Jones on August 10, 1963 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Bay City. He was employed by Dow Corning for 31 years, retiring as Senior Quality Control Specialist for Medical Materials in 1992. Jim was a lifelong, devout Catholic, attending St. James Catholic Church and St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church both in Bay City, and most recently St. Michael Catholic Church in Roscommon. He was always physically active and enjoyed golfing, downhill skiing, hiking 14ers in Colorado, and sailing his Hobie Cat. Jim could usually be found with a tool in his hand fixing something. He was a proud grandfather and loved to watch his grandchildren play many different sports. At the end of the day, Jim liked to sit by his firepit and watch the sunset over Higgins Lake. He was a kind, patient, caring, and honest man who will be missed by many.
Jim is survived by his wife, Betty Rudnick of Roscommon; daughters, Dawn (Wayne) Kohn of Indianapolis, Indiana and Lynda (Gary) Putt of Midland; grandchildren, Jared (Lindsey) Kohn of Indianapolis, Indiana, Nicholas (Katie) Kohn of Des Moines, Iowa, Cameron (Molly) Stewart of San Ramon, California, and Devin Kohn of Red Lodge, Montana; and great grandchildren, Henry and Hadley Kohn both of Indianapolis, Indiana. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, August Rudnick; and sisters, Dorothee LaVasseur and Alyce Dunham.
A Memorial Mass will take place at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 16, 2021 at St. Michael Catholic Church, 104 North 6th Street, Roscommon, with Father Jerry Hunko officiating. Jim's family will receive friends at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Alzheimer's and Dementia Research c/o KU Endowment P.O. Box 928 Lawrence, KS 66044-0928 or give securely online at kuendowment.org/memorials, select choose areas and enter code 03270. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Directors.