James M. O'Malley

James M. “Jim” O’ Malley, 87, of Benton Harbor passed away on Sunday, July 26, 2020, at Spectrum Health Lakeland. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 31, at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 555 E. Delaware Dr., Benton Harbor. A private burial will take place at a later time in Resurrection Cemetery, St. Joseph. Friends may visit with the family from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, July 30, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made to Lake Michigan Catholic Schools – Blue Tide Athletic Boosters. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Jim was born on Oct. 9, 1932, in Chicago, to William and Dorothy (Malouf) O’ Malley. After high school, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy in 1951, where he proudly defended our country while stationed in Okinawa, Japan, during the Korean Conflict. After his time in the Navy, Jim enrolled at Loyola University and earned his degree in English. On June 2, 1956, Jim married the love of his life, Mary Tierney, in Chicago. The two were happily married for nearly 58 years before Mary passed away in 2014. Jim was employed with LECO for 10 years, then changed jobs and worked for Kay Woods for 15 years, and finally he worked for Creative Advertising and retired from them after 15 years. Jim would also write the sports columns for The Herald-Palladium A huge passion of Jim’s was teaching. He loved to help educate children of all ages. He was a theology teacher at LMC, a substitute teacher at many local public schools and he volunteered his time with Winnings, an organization that teaches young children how to read and write. He also volunteered for Birthright, retired senior police and St. John’s Catholic Church. Jim was a proud member of Lest We Forget, St. Joseph Rotary, St. John’s, Victims Services of Berrien County and Stephen’s Ministry. He held positions on the Parish Council for St. John’s & St. Joseph Catholic Church and LMC School Board. However, what Jim was most known for was being the “voice of the LMC Lakers.” He earned this title by announcing their football games for over 40 years. While at LMC, Jim took on the roles of being the track, softball and assistant football coach and being the Athletic Director for LMC High School. Jim dedicated his life to helping others, his wonderful and caring spirit will truly be missed by all who knew him. Jim is survived by his sons, Michael (Lisa), Patrick, Thomas (Lori) and Christopher (Lynda) O’ Malley; daughter, Kitty (Ray) Baltos; 11 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Dorothy; and wife, Mary.