James Herbert Podjan

James Herbert Podjan, 80, of St. Joseph, entered his heavenly home on Tuesday, September 6, 2022 in Stevensville, MI. He was born October 26, 1941 in Benton Harbor, MI to Walter and Ruth (Beilman) Podjan.

The family will receive guests from 2-5pm, Sunday, September 11, 2022 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. A funeral service will be held at 11am, Monday, September 12, 2022 at Grace Lutheran Church, 404 E. Glenlord Rd., St. Joseph. Burial, with military rites, to follow, at North Shore Memory Gardens, Coloma. Memorial contributions may be given to Grace Lutheran Church or Lest We Forget, www.lestweforgetusa.org.

Jim graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1960. He then joined the Naval reserves for 2 years and the United States Air Force for the next 4 years. He was employed by Heath Zenith where he met the love of his life, Pat. Jim and Pat were married in Grace Lutheran Church on August 6, 1966. He was a lifelong member of Grace and served on several boards at the church and Michigan Lutheran High School. He worked in his father’s business, Designer’s Woodcraft for many years and was an independent insurance agent for the past 25 years. He was involved in North Lincoln baseball and Junior Achievement for many years. Jim “Podj” was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He had a strong faith in his Lord and Savior. His family and friends will remember him most for his kind and thoughtful heart, his compassion for others, and his love of sports. Jim was a die-hard MSU fan and was often seen wearing Spartan Green. He loved going to all his kids and grandkids sports or activities, family dinners, and family gatherings.

Jim is survived by his wife of 56 years, Patricia (Riley) Podjan; his children, Jennifer (Gene) Fowler, Suzanne (Joseph) Ehrenberg, and James (Jenna) Podjan, II; his grandchildren, Cory and Chad Fowler, Dylan Ehrenberg, and Johnni and Josephine Podjan; and his siblings, Douglas Podjan, Janet (Kenneth) Kneser, and Gregory (Yvonne) Podjan. Many cousins, nieces and nephews; extended family Ken (Kathy) Adams, Tyler and Hunter. He is preceded in death by his parents.