James "Jim" D. Wolf

James Delbert Wolf, 88

James D. Wolf, known to his many friends as Jim, passed from this life surrounded by his family in the early morning hours of Saturday, April 29, 2017. 

His family plan to remember and celebrate his life with a Funeral Mass that is planned for Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Mass will be led by Fr. Dennis Stilwell.  Visitation is planned for Tuesday evening at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church from 6-8 p.m.  The rosary will be recited in Jim's memory Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation will also planned from 9:30 until time of service in the church gathering space prior to Mass.   

Jim was born April 24, 1929 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Leo A. and Barbara E. (Zimmerman) Wolf.  His parents settled in Petoskey where Jim was raised.  He attended St. Francis Xavier Catholic School through the 7th grade and then entered St. Joe's Seminary in Westmont, Illinois.  He returned to Petoskey in his senior year and was a graduate of Petoskey High School.  On April 19, 1949, Jim married the love of his life Beatrice Ulrich, the two have shared 68 wonderful years and together raised 8 children.

Shortly after high school, Jim entered service with the United States Navy and served honorably for two years, he was stationed primarily in Newport, Rhode Island. 

He returned to civilian life, and to what would become a nearly lifelong career in the grocery business.  He first worked as a clerk for Neuman's Grocery, he moved on to become an Apprentice Meat Cutter and eventually a Journeyman Meat Cutter.  Jim both worked and managed meat departments for several area grocers, among these were, Crago's, Graham's Meat Market, the Market Basket, Tom & Dick's, Petoskey A&P, Basil's Harbor IGA, Giant Supermarket and Glen's Market; he also owned and operated, Jim's Quality Market.   Over the years he also worked at different times for Michigan Bell, as a car driver for Al Serra and for Dave Kring's Chevrolet.  In younger years he enjoyed playing softball, where he often filled the position of shortstop.  He also enjoyed watching baseball, football and hockey; he rooted for the Tigers, Lions, Pistons and Red Wings, but always reserved a special place in his heart for Notre Dame Football.

Jim's faith played a central part of his life, he was a lifelong active member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.  He served the St. Francis Faith community in many capacities as Cub Scout Leader, CCD teacher, RCIA teacher, CSA volunteer, Mass Lector, Eucharistic Minister, Parish Councilman, Knights of Columbus member and helped for years with the Trees of Christmas.  

Jim's surviving family include his loving wife, Bea and his children, Martin of Traverse City, Steve (Sherry) of Good Hart, Rich (Janet) of Alanson, Jamie (Carrie) of Petoskey, Susan (Ken) Krepps of Petoskey, William and John of Petoskey and Teresa (David) Sawchuk of Boyne City.  His grandchildren include, Toby, Jane (Evan), Andy (Brandi), Amber (Paula), Nick (Sharyn), Zack (Heather), Jamie, Stephen, Jason, Sara (Russell), Tyler, Kate, 8 great grandchildren, Kaleb, Adrien, Renna, Aubrey, Riley, Connor, Brendan and Arya.  He was preceded in death by his parents and by siblings, Tom Wolf, Mary Elkins, Lee Wolf and by his grandson Luke Hofbauer and granddaughter, Amy Miller.

A truly gentle soul, Jim touched and impacted many lives.  His kind and generous nature endeared him to everyone he ever met.  His goal in all things was to make sure that the comfort and care for those around him came before his own.   This kind man will truly be missed.

Those wishing to honor his memory with a charitable contribution are asked to consider Brother Dan's Food Pantry or St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. 

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