James Gregart

James J. Gregart passed away on December 1, 2025, in Harrisville, Michigan, at the age of 83, following a brief recurrence of cancer.

Born on December 5, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, to Joe and Marie Gregart, Jim grew up immersed in sports and adventure. He spent his childhood playing football, baseball, and hockey-and even earned the title of Golden Gloves boxing champion. Thanks to his father's job with the railroad, Jim experienced countless adventures across the Midwest as they traveled together using their rail privileges. One of his most cherished memories was serving as a water boy for the Detroit Lions at Briggs Stadium during his teenage years. There, he met and befriended his childhood hero, quarterback Bobby Layne.

Jim's lifelong dedication to law enforcement began with his studies in the Police Administration Program at Michigan State University. After graduation, he served as a military policeman in the U.S. Army before becoming a Wayne County Deputy Sheriff while simultaneously attending Detroit College of Law full-time. In 1969, he became an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Kalamazoo County and was promoted to Chief Assistant Prosecutor in 1972.

In 1976, Jim ran for Prosecuting Attorney-a race many considered a long shot-and won by a landslide. His campaign slogan declared: "To him it's not a job; it's a career," and he lived up to those words by being re-elected six more times until his retirement in 2004.

Throughout his nearly three decades as Kalamazoo County Prosecutor, Jim left an indelible mark on the criminal justice system in Michigan. He was instrumental in launching pioneering programs such as the Kalamazoo Area Cold Case Homicide Squad, Drug Court, Crime Victim Advocate Program, Kalamazoo Domestic Assault Intervention Program, Southwest Michigan Narcotics Enforcement Team (SWET), and the Child Sexual Assault Prosecutor Program. His influence extended nationally through his work as a lecturer for the National College of District Attorneys, which took him to dozens of cities across the United States.

While attending Michigan State University, Jim met Linda Yokom-a freshman from Harrisville. After two years of dating and a six-year engagement that kept everyone guessing, they married in 1968 at Big Paw Resort in Harrisville, owned by Linda's family. Big Paw became a central part of Jim's life from that day forward.

Together, Jim and Linda raised two children: Katie (born in 1976) and Dan (born in 1978). As a father, Jim was ever-present-especially at sporting events-where he was often the loudest voice cheering from the sidelines. The family lived on Austin Lake in Portage and enjoyed summers filled with pontoon boat gatherings at "The Dam," forging friendships that lasted decades.

In addition to his legal career and devotion to family life, Jim was an avid runner during the 1970s and '80s. A founding member of the Kalamazoo Track Club, he committed himself fully to the sport-often running ten miles each way to and from work. One of his proudest athletic achievements was qualifying for the Boston Marathon.

After retiring in 2004, Jim and Linda moved permanently to Big Paw in Harrisville. For someone who grew up amid Detroit's hustle and bustle, life at Big Paw brought peace and fulfillment. Each year post-retirement, Jim hosted longtime friends-his "GOOF Guys" (Gathering of Old Farts)-for a weeklong reunion filled with stories and camaraderie.

Jim found immense joy in being "Papa Jimmy" to Bauer and Bo and "Grandpa" to Liam-his three beloved grandchildren who lit up his later years.

To those who knew him, James J. Gregart was larger than life: charismatic yet gentle; powerful yet kind; always generous with time and spirit. He treated every person with dignity regardless of status or background-and made everyone feel like a friend.

His legacy lives on through the lives he touched both personally and professionally. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.