James “Jim” Edward Servis
Date Of Birth: 02/22/1948
Date of Death: 03/04/2023
With gratitude for his life and enduring love, the Servis and VanAcker families announce the death of our generous, curious-minded, great-hearted husband, dad, grandpa, and brother James “Jim” Edward Servis, 75, of Traverse City, Michigan. He passed away at home on March 4, 2023, in the company of his family.
Jim was born on February 22, to Robert and Betty (Meier) Servis, in Monroe, Michigan. After Jim graduated from Monroe High School in 1966, he studied English at Michigan State University.
After graduating college, he met Marcia Ann Shugart while she was walking a duck outside their apartment complex. They fell in love, married, and moved to Mesa, Arizona, where Jim worked as a stage actor. He later earned an MBA from Arizona State University and went on to work as a financial analyst for Mesa Public Schools for 15 years. During this time and extending into retirement, Jim volunteered for such organizations as the Child Crisis Center, Hospice of Michigan, and Food Rescue.
In 2010, Jim retired and alternated his time between Mesa, Traverse City, and the SokukoJi Buddhist Temple Monastery in Battle Creek, Michigan, where he practiced meditation. An avid cyclist, yogi, reader, woodworker, and food lover, Jim had a fondness for poetry, learning, long walks with loved ones, cold swims in the bay, and a beer and pizza at the Filling Station.
Jim leaves behind his wife of 49 years, Marcia; his son, Paul; his daughter, Rose; three darling grandchildren; his sister, Polly (David) VanAcker; his brother, Bob (Susan) Servis; his brother, Matt (Margie) Servis; and many other family members and friends who will miss him.
In lieu of flowers, please keep Jim and family in your thoughts today. For those who would like to make a contribution on Jim’s behalf, his favorite charitable organizations included TART Trails in Traverse City and JDRF.