James Stouffer

James Paul Stouffer of Columbus, OH and formerly of Kalamazoo, MI Jim, age 81, died Friday evening, May 11, 2018 at the Mother Angeline McCrory Manor of Columbus, OH and with his loving family at his side. Jim, the son of Howard and Katherine (Murnan) Stouffer, was born in Wabash, IN on February 12, 1937 and grew up in Pierceton, Indiana. He was president of his graduating class in 1955 from Pierceton High School and was an accomplished athlete; participating in baseball, track and basketball. He was inducted into the Kosciusko Athletic Hall of Fame based on his accomplishments. Following high school, Jim went to Michigan State University, where he played basketball and was a member of the 1957 Big Ten Champion and Final Four team. He was also a member of the 1959 Big Ten Championship team. Jim graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1960. Following college, he enlisted during the Vietnam War in the United States Army where he served his Country honorably as a SP5 and was stationed at Ft. Bragg as a paratrooper from 1960 to 1963. On February 23, 1963, Jim married Beverly Jean Benko of Anderson, Indiana. They were married for 52 years and resided in Owosso, Jackson, and Kalamazoo, Michigan. Jim was employed as a Systems Engineer for IBM for 31 years, retiring in 1998. He was active in St. Ann's Catholic Church, Augusta, MI and was in charge of the altar boy training for many years. Jim also enjoyed coaching his children sports teams and doing any activity that allowed him to be outdoors. In his years after retirement, he enjoyed golfing and traveling to see his children. Jim worked as a starter at Eastern Hills Golf Course of Kalamazoo for many years and enjoyed seeing friends on the course and meeting new people. He continued to be active in his church, St. Ambrose Catholic Church of Parchment, MI in retirement and loved sitting outside on summer evenings, listening to the Detroit Tigers on the radio. In 2015, following the death of his beloved wife, Bev, he moved to Columbus, OH, where he always wore a MSU hat to remind everyone he was NOT from Ohio. While in Columbus, he was able to spend time with his family and enjoyed watching his grandson, Jake play tennis, basketball and golf. Jim is survived by his children, Kimberly (Doug) Klapec of Bethesda, MD and Jeff (Jennifer) Stouffer and grandson, Jake of Blacklick, OH and James II Stouffer and by his siblings, Steve (Sue) Stouffer of Indianapolis, IN; Sister Ann Stephen Stouffer of St. Mary of the Woods, IN and John (Janet) Stouffer of McCormick, SC. Jim was also preceded in death by his parents. A Memorial Gathering to celebrate Jim's life will be held on Friday, July 6th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel, 9107 East D Avenue (M-89) with refreshments being served. At 2:00 p.m., the procession will leave the funeral home for Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, where the United States Army Honor Guard and the Fort Custer Honor Guard will bestow full, military honor. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, July 7th at 2 p.m. at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 1628 East G Avenue, Parchment, MI 49004, with Father James O'Leary, Celebrant. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim's honor may be directed to Gull Lake Little League, P.O. Box 310, Richland, MI 49083. Personal messages and/or favorite memories of Jim may be place at www.farleyestesdowdle.com