Jim Hawkes

Jim Hawkes, 80, of South Haven, died July 18, 2020, surrounded in love by his family at the Hanson Hospice Center in Stevensville. Jim was born February 17, 1940 in Richwood, West Virginia to Edna (Bragg) and William Hawkes.

In 1950, Mrs. Hawkes left the hills of West Virginia and moved to South Haven with her two young sons. Jim graduated from South Haven High School. He was a gifted athlete and an All-Star pitcher who threw many no-hitters for the Rams.  The highlight of his high school career was playing baseball for the South Haven American Legion team in the 1955-56 seasons. After graduation, Jim attended Western Michigan University where he pitched for the Broncos.  After college, Jim received professional baseball offers but declined to spend time with his family and start his career in business. For 12 years, Jim and Marilyn co-owned and operated CareerPro, a successful client services business in Naperville, IL. A kind, honest and personable businessman, Jim turned his customers into friends.

Jim and his wife lived in the Chicago suburbs for several years where they both cared for Marilyn’s parents until they passed. Jim was excited to move back to South Haven, the town he loved. He and Marilyn spent countless hours walking on the beach, listening to the waves and sharing South Haven sunsets. Many happy times were spent with his former teammates and shared with his close family of reunited high school friends. Jim loved LifeBridge Church, his pastor Milan, his Bible study groups and his supportive church family.  He loved the Chicago Bears, chocolate in any form, peanut butter, reading his Bible or a good book, golf, watching sports and Jeopardy. 

Jim’s greatest love was his wife, Marilyn. They were devoted to one another, soul mates whose special bond inspired many. They spent every day of their 43-year marriage together as Jim continued to search for the perfect rose to give her.  Shortly before he died, Jim whispered to Marilyn, “In life, everyone gets one special person. You are My Person.”

He is survived by his beloved wife, Marilyn, of South Haven; three sons, Jon (Jackie) of Hastings; David (Cheryl) of Plainwell; Bob (Jodi) of Plainwell; 17 loving grandchildren, cherished great-grandson, Jack Hawkes; many nieces and nephews; two brothers, Tom (Charlene) of Kalamazoo; Mike (Linda) of Thornton, Colorado; and one sister, Twila (Phil) Calder of Herriman, Utah. Jim is also survived by the mother of his sons, Marilyn (Jim) Engberts of Kalamazoo.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Kim Mihalek.

Please join us Saturday, August 29th at 12:30 P.M. to celebrate the life of Jim Hawkes, hosted by his wife, Marilyn, the Hawkes family and special friend, Dr. Mona Hale.  Located at "The Farm at Bloomingdale", 42520 Co. Rd. 380, Bloomingdale, a private venue.  According to state guidelines, social distance seating and masks will be required indoors.  Hand sanitizer, private bathrooms and bottled water will be available.  To maintain safety, in place of a meal, Jim's favorite treat will be served in sealed containers.  Pastor Milan Bittenbender of LifeBridge Church will officiate.  Jim McCloughan will honor Jim's life with his inspired singing.  Parking is on-site and close to the venue.   Memorials  and shared memories of Jim should be directed to Marilyn Hawkes, 951 Hazel St., South Haven, MI  49090.