James Edward Stressman Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

James Edward Stressman, age 64, passed away in Spencer, Indiana, on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, and now resides with his Lord and Savior. James, aka Jim, was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Jim was preceded in death by his father, Charles Stressman and his grandparents. Left with loving memories are his mother, Kathryn Stressman, sister and brother-in-law, Marie and Scott Haraburda, brother, Gregory Stressman, nieces Ashlee (Bryan) Kelley of Indiana, Krystal (Peter) Ryczek of Colorado, Aunt Patricia Meadema of Florida and several cousins. Jim’s childhood was spent enjoying the outdoors boating, fishing and snowmobiling in South Boardman and Kalkaska, Michigan, where his paternal grandparents had a cabin. Brilliant and creative as a child, Jim built a smart computer out of wood and lights when he was 14 that really worked. He had a movie camera in his teens and filmed many adventures starring his siblings and several neighborhood friends. Jim also wrote rock songs when he was a teenager. Jim had an inviting smile and great sense of humor. Jim enjoyed music from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, especially The Beach Boys and the Beatles. He loved vintage cars and was proud of the two Mustang cars he once owned. Jim was a 1973 Creston High School graduate. He went into the Air Force but developed cellulitis in his feet from marching in boots that were issued too small for his feet. He received an honorable medical discharge. After the Air Force, Jim graduated from Davenport University with a business degree in marketing. He had a good head for numbers and worked for Old Kent Bank. He volunteered for the March of Dimes for several years and received an award for doing so. Jim’s last years were happily spent in the beautiful rolling hills, fresh air, and countryside of southern Indiana with his mom and siblings. Jim epitomized honesty and grace. He never said an unkind word about anyone. If “A heart is not judged by how much you love but by how much you are loved by others” (a quote by Frank Morgan in “The Wizard of Oz” movie), then Jim lived a successful life. Burial will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, in Grand Rapids, Michigan . Allen Funeral Home and Crematory, 4155 S. Old State Road 37, Bloomington, have been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences, photos, and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com

Tributes

James Edward Stressman

April 26, 1955 - February 4, 2020