James "Jim" Hoffman

James “Jim” Hoffman, 80 of Petoskey, began his heavenly journey with family by his side at Pineview Cottage in Harbor Springs, Michigan, on March 5, 2021.

James was born December 14, 1940 in Petoskey, Michigan the son of Mary and Fred Hoffman. He grew up in Petoskey and was a 1958 graduate of St. Francis High School. He attended Michigan State and graduated with a Horticulture Degree in 1960 working in Detroit and Traverse City, Michigan. James then entered the United States Army in 1963 out of Fort Knox, Kentucky and the Army Reserves out of Traverse City, Michigan.

On August 29, 1964 in Petoskey, Jim married the love of his life Mariann Roof. James took over the Landscaping Business in 1970 from his father, Fred Hoffman and worked together with his wife for 25 years. Jim loved working with his hands making his clients satisfied and happy. Jim and Mariann, as a team worked in Retrouvaille (troubled marriage) helping couples stay together, on weekend retreats. This was a rewarding ministry. Jim loved going to his peaceful retreat on Walloon Lake relaxing and enjoying God’s creations, which was built with his wife and children. In 2002 Jim and Mariann enjoyed 5 months in Zephyrhills, Florida where Jim could work in gardening and taking adventurous walks, after attending daily mass as an altar man, serving the priest. Prison ministry was a weekly visit with inmates and infirmary where the imprisoned are lonely and forgotten. Anyone who knew Jim witnessed his gentle sprit and hearing the words, ‘have the best day of your life’ or ‘God bless you’, if you were fortunate, you could even get a blessing or sign of the cross on your forehead.

The family would like to personally thank the staff at Pineview Cottage and the Hospice of Michigan for the care, love and compassion they have shown Jim.

Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Mariann, his four children Melissa (Michael) Robbins, Anthony (Debbie Fraley) Hoffman, David (Jackie Clements) Hoffman all of Petoskey, Jennifer (John) Kellerman of Bay City, Michigan; grandchildren, Lucas, Anthony, Samuel, Bailey, Kendra, Eric, Mitchell, Zachery, Benjamin, Andrew and Kyle; along with brothers Robert (Shirley) Hoffman and Fred (Patricia) Hoffman; sisters-in-law Cheri Hoffman, Joan Hoffman and brother-in-law Burt Chickiring; several nieces and nephews and cousins.

James was preceded in death by his parents Frederick and Mary Hoffman; daughter Bonnie Marie; sister Jane Chickiring; and brother Frank Hoffman.

There will be a Memorial Mass at St. Frances Xavier Church on June 5, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. with a one hour visitation prior to the service. Father Dennis Stilwell will officiate.

Friends wish to honor James memory with a charitable contribution are asked to consider Hospice of Michigan (83 Otsego Avenue, Gaylord, MI 49735), Knights of Columbus Charity (1106 Charlevoix Avenue, Petoskey, MI 49770), 3rd Order St. Francis, St. Anthony Fraternity OSF c/o Cross in the Woods (7078 M-68, Indian River, MI 49749).

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