James D. Weiss, Sr. age 83 of Sturgis, Michigan passed away peacefully of natural causes Tuesday morning November 13, 2018 at the Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was born August 23, 1935 in Sturgis, Michigan, son of the late Earl and Elizabeth (Grimes) Weiss. Jim resided in the Sturgis area most of his life.
In 1953, Jim graduated from Howe Military School in Howe, Indiana where his father served as the school’s Quartermaster. His mother washed laundry… Read More » for the school in order to send their son to Howe. Jim served on the school’s Board of Trustees and Alumni Association for decades.
Jim went on to get his Master’s Degree in finance and was a professor at both Wayne State University and Indiana University. He was an avid stock market trader, philanthropist, businessman, developer, and adventurer. He found great joy in helping others; a natural mentor.
Jim always found time to listen to someone in need and often was open to assist however necessary, especially cadets at Howe Military School. He enjoyed traveling, his countless pets, playing rummy, fishing, reminiscing with Howe alumni, and was an fan of the Indiana University basketball team. Jim will be forever remembered for his wonderful stories, his generosity, and support of others.
He is survived by his wife: Nancy Phillips and former wife Patricia Perrin; children: his namesake, James Weiss, Jr., Christianne Weiss, Carrie Weiss, Laurie Weiss, Hugh Rohrer, Nayan Rohrer, Eleni Mitropoulos, and Dimitrios Mitropoulos; grandchildren: Kayla Cowles, Ceara Cowles, Janna Buck, Andrew Cardell, Taylor Griffin, Collin Griffin, Nicholas Weiss, Chelsey Gray, Amy Rohrer, Katy Rohrer, Ryan Rohrer, Tara Rohrer, Selma Aldridge, Sadie Aldridge, Seth Aldridge, and Petra Mitropoulos. He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter: Ingrid Weiss Chawla, M.D. and one son: Eddie Rohrer. The family will receive friends at 11 a.m. with funeral services beginning at noon on Saturday November 17 at St. James Chapel on the campus of Howe Military School (5755 Indiana 9, Howe, Indiana 46746).
Jim’s dear friend Deacon George Douglass will officiate. A luncheon will immediately follow the service at the school’s mess hall. Jim was very clear about wanting a celebration of his life which will take place following the luncheon.
Beginning at 2 p.m. at Jim’s HMA Alumni Club located at Maplecrest Plaza (1503 E Chicago Rd. Sturgis, MI 49091), the family welcomes anyone who wishes to reminisce and share stories about Jim’s life to join them in celebrating his memory. The Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091 of Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.
Per Jim’s pre-arranged wishes, in lieu of flowers memorial donations be directed to Howe Military School, 5755 Indiana 9, Howe, IN 46746 or the James D. Weiss Sr. Foundation for wild and domestic animals in need 1509 E. Chicago Rd. , Sturgis, MI 49091. The obituary can also be found at www.
hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
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