James Donald Ziemke

James (Jim) Donald Ziemke, age 77, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away peacefully on March 21st, 2026, at Beaumont Hospital, surrounded by his family. Jim was born on April 9th, 1948, in Benton Harbor, MI, to Henry and Gertrude (Schreiber) Ziemke. He was the second of four children.

Jim grew up in Sister Lakes, MI, with his three siblings Hank, Kathi, and Tom. They shared many memories around the rural lakes of SW Michigan. His love for football grew at Dowagiac High School, where he attended and graduated in 1966. That passion took him to Central Michigan University on a football scholarship, where he had the privilege to play for coach Roy Kramer. He received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from CMU in 1970 and 1972.

His fondest memories were of his wife, Patsy. They met at the Lutz's Drive-In at 5 Mile corner, the summer of 1968, and were married the following year on August 9th, 1969. Together, they raised their three children, Steve, Heather, and Mike. From ballgames to cheer, he never missed an event. He loved his children and supporting their lives, no matter what direction they led. When they weren't in action, the TV, radio, or newspaper kept him up to speed with anything happening in sports. Sometimes all at once. He loved spending time with his in-laws, recalling "how kind and fun they were to be around."

Professionally, Jim invested over 30 years in the public school system, first at Coleman High School, where he taught and coached football for 5 years, and then at Farwell High School, where he served as Teacher, Athletic Director, Vice Principal, and Principal. The impact he had on the lives he touched over those years is immeasurable.

Retirement brought the opportunity to travel the country following his children and grandchildren in all their sporting endeavors. From MI, CA, TN, SC, and everywhere in between, he didn't miss a thing. The help of a trusty atlas was the only roadside support he needed. Closer to home, he and his dear friend Roy Muterspaugh spent countless hours in bleachers cheering on each other's grandchildren. His siblings made it possible for Jim to cross the pond on an unforgettable trip through Europe. In recent years, Jim found his greatest joy as "Papa Jim" to his 9 grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his loving children, Steve (Valerie) Ziemke of Troy, Heather (Stephen) McKnight of Rochester Hills, and Mike (Emily) Ziemke of Fort Mill, SC. His grandchildren Alexis, Kayla, Brett Ziemke of Troy, Lucy, Stella, Ruby McKnight of Rochester Hills, Catherine, Emma, and Annie Ziemke of Fort Mill, SC. Along with his siblings Kathi (Roger) Skorupski of Grand Haven, Tom (Debbie) Ziemke of Watervliet, sister-in-law Mary Ziemke of Kalamazoo, brothers-in-law Kent (Anne) Southworth of Midland, Kim Southworth of Las Vegas, and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia (Southworth) Ziemke; parents Henry and Gertrude Ziemke; brother Hank Ziemke; in-laws Myron and Mary Southworth; brother-in-law Tom Southworth; and sister-in-law Sue Southworth.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 27th, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Mt. Pleasant with Fr. Andrew Booms presiding. Rite of Committal will be at Calvary Cemetery, concluding with a luncheon at Lincoln Reception Center attached to the Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Sunday, April 26th, at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary Service beginning at 7:00 p.m. Visitation continues at the church one hour prior to mass.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pardee Cancer Treatment Fund, Southwest Michigan Sports Foundation, or a charity of the donor's choice.