James L. Siebenmark

January 22nd, 1939 - November 14th, 2020

James's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of James here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

Susie & Mike, my condolences in the loss of your dad. I had a lengthy phone conversation with him a few months ago. Jim and I were school chums - played in the band together, hung out and I corresponded with him when he was in the Marines. You always knew where you stood with him as he was upfront, honest and just a good guy. Sure glad I connected with him with what turned out to be the last time I would talk with him. May the dear Lord be with you as you go through the loss of both your parents in such a short time. Sharon Sandera, Westminster, CO

Sharon Sandera

November 22nd, 2020 at 2:14pm

While serving as a judge with the Berrien County Trial Court, I had the privilege of serving with Jim. He was very knowledgeable, able to work with people from all backgrounds, and most of all, a gentleman. He demonstrated these qualities throughout his entire career. Berrien County is a better place because of the talents of Jim Siebenmark. My thoughts and condolences are with his entire family. John Fields

John Fields

November 21st, 2020 at 9:01pm

I’m really going to miss Papa. He’s been around me my entire life, and I couldn’t ask for a better grandfather. Him and Grammy would come down to visit a few times a year and almost every time they did Papa and I would make a time to go to breakfast, it was our thing. We’d have a great time eating good food and having good conversations. He always joked that we would be doing it even if I had to push him around in a wheelchair. This year has been a struggle so we never got to go. I loved listening to his stories, talking to him and just being around him. I am truly going to miss him, life won’t be the same without him.

Nick Johnson

November 21st, 2020 at 3:34pm

Papa has always made me feel like part of the family since the first day I met him. He has always been so welcoming and loving and he gave strong hugs that always left a warm, lasting impression. I am sure that anyone that has ever hugged him knows exactly what I’m talking about. Papa was one of the funniest people I have ever met; I have always enjoyed our back and forth banter we’d give each other. “You always pick on the ones you love the most.” He will be sorely missed and forever loved.

Sarah Johnson

November 20th, 2020 at 5:26pm

My grandfather was truly a great man. He will be missed by all who knew him. It is very sad to see him go the same year as grammie, but It brings me peace that they are together again watching over us. From a very young age I admired him and all the stories he told of growing up hunting and fishing with his dad and brothers, as well as stories from his service as a marine and career in law enforcement. He instilled in me a curiosity and passion for hunting, fishing, history, and striving to be a lifelong learner as he did, which is the greatest gift anyone could ever give. He always had a great sense of humor and always made sure to tell me and my siblings he was proud of us no matter what. The best life advice I ever got was from him. He always told me “life is all about having fun” and I will always try to live by those words. -Alex Johnson

Alex Johnson

November 20th, 2020 at 2:52pm

What a distinct honor to have known and worked with Jim over his many years of distinguished service to the City of St Joseph and the Berrien County Trial Court. As an assistant prosecutor, I had the privilege of working with Jim on criminal cases. His professionalism was always of the highest order. After his retirement from SJPD, I had the opportunity to hire Jim as a court officer for the Trial Court. He was assigned to my courtroom. It was a delight working with him on a daily basis. Condolences to Jim's family. He will be missed. Honorable Paul L Maloney St Joseph

Paul Maloney

November 20th, 2020 at 12:15pm

I was so honored to have Papa as my Grandpa. He was probably one of my favorite people. He was always joking around with us and making us laugh constantly with his amazing sense of humor. I always loved hearing stories about him as a police officer, I thought him doing that job was so brave and so interesting to learn about. One of my favorite things Papa did was call me his favorite Granddaughter, I was the only Granddaughter but it still made me feel so special. He was the type of person that always made me feel so special and loved. Papa really was my biggest fan. He always told me how great I was doing and how proud he was of me. He told me so many times how I’m going to be a great teacher one day, I hope him and Grammie are looking down when I accomplish that goal. One of his favorite things was when I was on a jump rope team called the firecrackers. Man did he love talking about that. I loved how happy it made him when he saw me jump. And he always said he told his friends about me, which always made me feel good. I have so many great memories with him that I am going to cherish forever. I did not think we would lose my Grandma and Grandpa so close together, but it makes me happy knowing they are back together again. My biggest hope one day is to name my future son James after my Grandpa, and he will grow up hearing stories from his mom about the amazing man he is named after.

Ellie Johnson

November 20th, 2020 at 9:48am

Your act of kindness altered the trajectory of my life. We both were hired to work a Yacht Club party that got rained out. You were there to protect the party goers from trouble. I was there to keep them from drowning. We sat in your squad car for five hours waiting for the rain to break. Thankfully, it never did. During all that time we developed a bond and became fast friends. You and Betty invited me into your home and introduced me to your children. I believe you wanted to show me a police officers life and the good things that can follow if you work hard and keep yourself squared away like a good Marine. Perhaps the invitation was a bit of a test or some type of Jim Siebenmark vetting for me. I was touched by your generosity and openness. You invited me to apply at SJPD and offered advice on how and what I should do to get hired. It worked and I became a patrolman on your department. You started me on a career that led to the best job I ever had in my life and I will always be in your debt for doing so. When I admired the Expert badge for Pistol marksmanship on your uniform you coached and advised me on how to earn one of my own. Now that I look back on things, you were always setting the bar high and providing an example for me to work for and live up to. Now that I am retired, I teach people how to shoot and use the advice and "Siebenmark methods" you shared with me. So, you continue to live on in my life and the lives of others. I thank you for being my friend, my coach, my mentor and a long lost brother that I never had. You were the very best of us and one perfectly splendid human being. It was my honor to know you, to call you my friend and to have you shape the direction of my life. I remain forever in your debt kind sir. Jan H. Edwards Dallas, TX