James Joseph Kobza's Obituary
James J. Kobza, 83, passed away Friday, September 12, 2014 following a long illness. James is survived by his devoted wife of 33 years, Susan (Bach) Kobza. Together they lived in the historical Lakeview Farm Resort Hotel on Duck Lake which was established by the Hinze family at the turn of the century. Jim bought this home in 1968 and renovated it in the 1970’s. Sue’s wonderful cooking and easy entertaining style brought great delight to Jim and to the many family members and friends who were always welcomed in their home. Sue worked with Jim as a legal assistant for over 30 years and shared and supported numerous charitable and civic organizations with him. Jim attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School, Aquinas College, Sophia University (Japan) (1953) and the University of Michigan Law School (1957). Jim served in the Air Force from 1951 to 1954 and then returned to practice law in Muskegon for his entire career, retiring at the age of 79 in 2010. Jim was active in Muskegon Democratic County politics, serving as the Democratic Party Chair from 1960 to 1962, during which time he had the distinct honor of bringing President John F. Kennedy to Muskegon during his election. He also served as Fruitland Township Supervisor from 1972 - 1976 and was elected for three, two-year terms on the Muskegon County Commission from 1997-2002. He was active in the Muskegon County Bar Association, serving as its President in 1995 and establishing the Law Day Educational Trust Fund to provide legal educational support and scholarships for Muskegon college-bound seniors. When Jim was young, he had a large newspaper route and later became a lifetime member of the Old Newsies, an organization that brings Christmas to many needy children. Jim loved practicing law. He was a sole practitioner for most of his career, focusing on criminal defense, trial law, property rights and probate. Early in his career, he also offered free legal clinics out of his office on Saturday mornings to those who needed legal advice, but could not afford the services. In 1960, he was appointed by Attorney General Paul Adams as a Special Assistant Attorney General. He was assigned to the Michigan Department of Transportation to handle eminent domain and highway liability court cases. Over his career he handled over 500 jury trials in 25 Michigan counties. Jim enjoyed day sailing, hunting, photography, politics and news. He was an avid reader and writer. He loved being out in nature, building things and working in his vegetable garden. The focal point of Jim’s life was his family, church and friends. Jim was married to Delores M. (Cone) Kobza, who preceded him in death in 1981. They had one daughter together, Beth (Tim) Mass. He was step-father to Tom Munn, Richard Munn and Mike Munn. He was married to Clare (Paquin) Kobza, and together they had nine children. James Victor Kobza (deceased), Kim (Amy) Kobza, Charlene Kobza (deceased), Chantel (Jack) Howell, Craig (Cheryl) Kobza, Victoria (James) Kobza-Sotak, Paul Kobza, Jeanne Blauvelt and David (Pam) Kobza. Jim was the eldest son of Joseph and Marie Kobza. He is preceded in death by his sister, Joan (Jim) Hefferan and his younger brother, the Honorable Michael E. (Cherri) Kobza. He is survived by his brothers William (Judy) Kobza and Tom (Carol) Kobza and his sisters, Kathleen (John) Rajkovacz, Mary Brown and Diane (John) Skiba. Jim was blessed with 17 grandchildren: Lisa (Patrick) Hook, Katie (Joe) Zuidema, Daniel (Jamie) Kobza, Rachel (Jeff) Atkinson, Joshua Kobza, Kendra (Matt) Verborn, Ed Burch III, Ashley Kobza, Andrew Kobza, Joseph Mass, Nicholas Blauvelt, Paige Kobza, Kristina Kobza, Austin Kobza, Kai Kobza, Ian Sotak and Rex Sotak and nine great-grandsons, Jack Hook, Charlie Hook, Benjamin Hook, Leo Atkinson, Charlie Atkinson, Henry Atkinson, Gregory Atkinson (deceased), Hudson Weniger and Devon Weniger. The MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 17, 2014 at St. James Catholic Church, 5179 Dowling St., Montague, MI. VISITATION will be held at the Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc., 6291 S. Harvey St. on Tuesday, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. He will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery, where military rites will be performed under the auspices of V.F.W. Post 3296. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. James Catholic Church Building Fund (Montague), Muskegon Harbor Hospice and or the Old Newsies Organization of Muskegon.
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