Jim Kish June 28, 1935-September 17, 2018 Jim was born on June 28, 1935 to the late Ernie and Mary Kish. He was a hard working family man who had a great sense of humor and was everyone’s friend. He learned the importance of a hard day’s work at a young age when he worked on the farms on the west side of South Bend after school and during summers.
After graduating from Washington High School where he played varsity football, he met the love of his life, Margie LaCava, and married her on November 13, 1954 in St. Monica’s Church. They were married for 60 years. He worked three jobs to support his growing family: he sold water softeners for Century and sewing machines for Singer and worked in construction.
He became a successful insurance salesman: a job he loved for 57 years before retiring in June of 2017. He owned his own business, Insurance Services, along with selling for Mutual of Omaha and 20 other companies. Jim earned his CLU, acquired the prestigious President’s Council Status and was awarded Salesman of the Year many times.
He enjoyed traveling with Margie and was fortunate to visit Ireland, Hawaii, Italy, London, Bermuda, Alaska and Hong Kong. He loved the Chicago Cubs and was a diehard Notre Dame fan and a season ticket holder for women’s basketball. His hobby was caring for his family and friends: and he did an excellent job!
He was kind, intelligent, generous, dependable, funny, and ornery and if you asked him… “Good Looking! ” Jim, affectionately known as “Bumpa” to his grandchildren, loved entertaining family and friends at the family pool, grilling steaks for the entire family on Sundays, attending his grand children’s sporting events, shopping (he loved getting a good deal and was the King of Coupons), watching The History Channel, and visiting with everyone. On Saturday mornings you could find him at the West End Bakery buying donuts for his family before joining his good friend, Paul Macri, at the Farmers Market.
He was a member of the following organizations: BK Club (where he Belgian Bolled), D’Amici’s Club (where he manned the grill for the annual golf outing), Kiwanis, MHS Alumni Association and St. Bavo Church. Jim is survived by his children, Kim Kish, Jamie (Mark) Ryan, Pete (Kris) Kish, Paula (Tod) Meersman, Roxy (Brian) Artusi; grandchildren, Lindsey (Rich) Hanback, Lisa (John) Saylor, Mike Gordon, Jeremy, Matt (Anna) and Keegan Ryan; Alex (Caitie) and Drew Kish, Mitchell and Dani Meersman, Grayden and Grace Artusi; ten great grandchildren; a special niece and God-daughter, Julie Bodle; sisters-in-law, Rosie Robinson and Yvonne Kish and brother-in-law, Peter LaCava Jr He was preceded in death by his wife, Margie; son, Mike; sisters-in-law, Roxy Werbrouck, Betty Karnes and Doris LaCava; brothers-in-law, Julius Webrouck, Joe Robinson and Bob Karnes; in-laws, Peter and Ann LaCava and brother, Ernie.
All who knew him will miss Jim’s twinkling blue eyes, contagious laugh and zest for life. The family would like to thank the staff from St. Paul’s especially Tessa, Tyeisha and Richard and Brittany Wisler from Center for Hospice. When tomorrow starts without me don’t think we’re far apart, for every time you think of me I’m right here in your heart.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 19 from 4 to 8 p.m. in Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, September 20 at 10 a.m. in St. Bavo Catholic Church, Mishawaka. Entombment will follow in Fairview Cemetery.
Donations may be made in Jim’s name to the Mishawaka Education Foundation. To leave the family an online condolence, please visit www. hahnfuneralhomes.
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