James F. Lewandowski

James F. Lewandowski, 73, of Gaylord, passed away on Tuesday, April 23, 2019.

Jim was born in Grayling on April 23, 1946 and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Gaylord in 1964.  He attended Wayne State University for both undergraduate school and law school, earning his Juris Doctorate in 1972.  He built a private practice in Plymouth, Michigan and earned the distinction in town as an honorable attorney in the fields of real estate law and estate planning.  He practiced law for the next 47 years.  Jim moved to Gaylord two years ago to “semi-retire” and continued to assist his dedicated clients.

Jim also lived a life marked by service.  He was an active member in the Kiwanis Club of Plymouth for over 45 years and gave his time each year as a bell ringer for The Salvation Army.  As an athlete, in high school he played basketball and baseball and later in life he golfed and played racquetball.  Jim’s love of fishing was legendary and he enjoyed the sport with his entire family.

For those who knew Jim, they loved his dry sense of humor--he was the master of one-liners and could always make someone laugh.  Jim was a very kind and considerate human being with a quiet and peaceful manner that made people feel comfortable and welcome.

Jim was a voracious reader.  His current passion was keeping up with national politics.  He also had a unique ability to remember facts which made him the kind of player that everyone wanted on their Trivial Pursuit team.

But Jim’s biggest accomplishment was that his family adored and revered him.  He married his high school sweetheart and was married for over 52 years.  His wife was his right-hand person in life and in the law firm and they worked side-by-side for over 46 years.

Jim is survived by his wife, Jan (Grusczynski) and children, Mona (Barry) O’Callaghan and Kirk (Amy); four grandchildren: London, Noah, Kate and Kyle; brothers and sisters: Ann Miller, Lawrence, Thomas (Sherri), Berni (Craig) Seidell, Joseph, William (Maureen), Patricia Monroe, Debra (Jim) Love, Robert and Richard; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins (too many to name!).

The family is planning a private memorial.  Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com