James "Jim" Tindall

From his childhood days in Grand Rapids, MI to his last days at the Birches Foster Care Home in Leonidas MI, Jim lived life to itʼs fullest.

Jim was born on February 5th, 1926 to the late Clifford and Beatrice (Munro) Tindall. Due to the Great Depression and a difficult job market, the family moved frequently during his childhood, living in Traverse City, Grand Rapids, Battle Creek and Kalamazoo. He was the oldest of four children which included his siblings, Carlene, Bill and Dan. The family spent a lot of time outside enjoying nature. Jim loved experiencing all of Godʼs beauty including visiting many National Parks throughout his life. Jim instilled his great love of nature in his children and grandchildren.

Jimʼs love for music began at a young age, playing the clarinet in junior high and high school. This was followed by playing the alto saxophone in Kalamazoo Dance Bands. He loved Big Band Era music. He enjoyed playing the clarinet (with his wife, Jeanne, playing the flute) in the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra and Kalamazoo Concert Band.

In 1944, Jim graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School. He served in the Army Air Force during World War II as a cryptographer concealing and decoding messages from 1944-1946. One of the happiest days of his life was when he was returning home on a Navy ship at the end of World War II. When he entered San Francisco Bay and saw the Golden Gate Bridge, he realized he had survived the war. After the service, Jim attended Kalamazoo College for two years, followed by four years at the University of Michigan where he earned a degree in Dentistry in 1952. He enjoyed practicing dentistry in Kalamazoo for 35 years, retiring in 1987.

On June 18, 1949, Jim married Jeanne Anne Keller. They met in high school when Jim called Jeanneʼs older sister, Marion for a date. Marion wasnʼt available but offered her little sister, Jeanne, as and alternative. Their first child, Nancy was born in 1950, followed by Ken in 1952, Scott in 1954 and Marilyn in 1958. Jim was a wonderful husband and father, devoting his life to his family. Time spent together was full of fun, learning, admiration and lots of love. He taught his children many important life lessons which they continue to pass on to their children.

In 1976, Jim and Jeanne built a beautiful home on Indian Lake in Vicksburg, MI. For over 35 years, Jim loved living in their home where they enjoyed lake activities, such as sailing, canoeing, swimming, and hosting numerous family and friend gatherings. His involvement in the community included active memberships in Lakeland Reformed Church (choir and church deacon), Indian Lake Association (Treasurer), Kalamazoo Y Mens Club, and the Kalamazoo Dental Society.

Jimʼs and Jeanneʼs active life included many travel adventures such as Africa, Russia, Europe, Hawaii, and numerous camping trips with their family across the US and Canada.

During retirement, Jimʼs devotion to family continued by helping his children with many building projects and caring for grandchildren. Beautifying his yard included building a working lighthouse. During winters Jim and Jeanne travelled to warmer climates.

Jim lead an ethical, successful and happy life. He was humble yet confident, witty, adventurous, generous, organized and hard working. He was always a wonderful role model to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Jeanne, and four children; Nancy (Thomas) Jones, Ken (Beth DeWaters) Tindall, Scott (Shelley) Tindall, and Marilyn (Ken) Weichhand; 8 grandchildren: Carrie (James) Langley, Paul Gerts, Tim Tindall, Steven Weichhand, Lisa Weichhand, Brad Tindall, Shawn Tindall and Luke Tindall, and 4 great grandchildren; Jacob, Abbie, Anna and Bekkah Langley; a sister, Carlene (Jack, deceased) Minar, brother, Dan (Judy) Tindall and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. A brother, Bill (Jane) Tindall preceded him in death.

After a long and courageous battle with a horrible, debilitating disease (PSP), Jim passed away on August 31, 2011 at the age of 85. His witty sense-of-humor continued until the final days of his life.

A private burial took place at Mount Everest Cemetery, with family only in attendance. Visitation will be on Friday, September 2 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Lakeland Reformed Church, 10442 Sprinkle Road, Vicksburg. A Celebration of Life ceremony will take place on Sunday September 4, 2011 2:00PM at the same location. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Birches Adult Foster Care Home, PO Box 85, Leonidas, MI 49066 or Lakeland Reformed Church.

Arrangements by Life Story Funeral Homes, 409 South Main St, Vicksburg. Please visit Jimʼs personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can add a favorite memory and sign his guest book.