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As received from the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel:
James R. “Jim” Witz, age 83 of Skanee, MI passed away at his home in Skanee on Wednesday, August 3, 2022. He was born in Skanee on September 11, 1938 the son of the late Vivan and Joyce (Kunick) Witz. Jim graduated from L’Anse High School. He joined the United States Army and proudly served his country for 2 years until his honorable discharge in 1962. Following his discharge from the service, he had been employed by Leo Erickson driving logging truck. Jim married the former Sandra Sterbenz on July 20, 1963. She preceded him in death on October 17, 2016. Jim joined the Michigan State Police in November of 1963. He was a member of the 53rd Recruit School and served in New Buffalo, St. Ignace, Negaunee and L’Anse and retired Sergeant in May of 1984. Jim had been a former member of the Arvon Fire Department. He remained active in the family business, Witz Marina and Campsite. Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, whittling, painting, carving, and traveling. He loved spending time at the marina with family and friends but his greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren.
Jim is survived by his loving daughters Brenda (Robert) Johnson, and Teresa (Donald) Johnson grandchildren James (Heather) Johnson, Jeff Johnson (Anna), Jessica (Chad) Tollefson, and Charlie Johnson, great grandchildren Addilynn and Brady Johnson and Tenley, Harper, and Sawyer Tollefson, brothers Jerry (Sally) Witz, Dean (Linda) Witz, and Tom Witz, and sister Darlene (Leslie) Elmblad. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, August 6, 2022 at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse with Chaplain Peter Vorhes officiating. MSP personnel will post an honor guard detail for Jim. The family will greet friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 11 a.m. until the time of the funeral service Immediately following the funeral service, military honors under the direction of the Baraga American Legion Post #444 and graveside services will take place in the Skanee Cemetery. Following interment, the family invites friends to join them at Jim’s home in Skanee for a luncheon.
James’s obituary may also be viewed and condolences sent to the family at www.reidfuneralservicechapel.com
The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
