James Arthur Stibitz, Jr.

Mr. James Arthur Stibitz, Jr. died on June 25, 2008 after a courageous battle with cancer. Jim was born on March 19, 1949 in Muskegon, Michigan, where he remained throughout his life. A graduate of Muskegon Community College, Grand Valley State University, and Western Michigan University, Jim's professional career led him to work in a variety of positions in the public sector of Muskegon County. He was employed as Finance Director of the City of Muskegon Heights, Assistant Managing Director of the Muskegon County Road Commission, Interim City Manager of the City of Muskegon Heights and the Muskegon County Chamber of Commerce. Jim was also secretary of the Fruitport Township Planning Commission. He was active in many professional organizations including the County Road Association of Michigan (CRAM), the Muskegon Area Labor/Management Committee, and the Michigan Municipal Finance Officers' Association (MMFOA). Jim is survived by his beloved wife of twenty-six years, Jane; his daughter, Jean (Michael) Rhodes and granddaughter, Samantha; his parents, James and Doris Stibitz; his sister, Susan (Don) Rop; brother, David (Ellen) Stibitz; favorite aunt, Helen Coffman; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Jim will be remembered as a man of honesty and integrity in both his public and personal life. He was a family man who particularly enjoyed spending time with his granddaughter, Samantha. Jim loved his pets, both living and those who were waiting for him at the Rainbow Bridge when he died. He truly lived life to the fullest despite the many challenges he faced following a spinal cord injury forty years ago. He will be missed by all those whose lives he touched in so many ways. There will be a MEMORIAL SERVICE on Tuesday, July 1, 2008, at the Temple United Methodist Church, 2500 Jefferson St., Muskegon Heights at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials in Jim's name to: Lifeline for Pound Buddies Rescue, 3840 Eastbrook Dr., Muskegon, MI 49444 or Harbor Hospice, 1050 W. Western Ave., Suite 400, Muskegon, MI 49441.