Dr. James M. Pascavis' Obituary
Dr. James M. “Jim” Pascavis, age 73, met his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 12, 1949, to Myron and Gladys (Fredricksen) Pascavis in Muskegon, MI. He graduated from Muskegon Heights High School class of 1967 and continued his pursuit of education at Michigan State University graduating in 1971. On June 25, 1971, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Janet VanderKooi in Muskegon, MI. Together they cherished nearly 52 years full of love, laughter and endless adventures. Soon after marrying, the two moved to Chicago where Jim earned his Doctor of Optometry from Illinois College of Optometry in 1975. After graduating, Jim and Jan moved to Germany where Jim served in the U.S. Army as a Captain at the 279th Army Hospital in West Berlin. He was a proud veteran, serving his country from 1975-1979, providing care and perfecting his skills as an optometrist while overseas.
Dr. Pascavis, as he was known to many, took great delight in serving his patients. He dedicated 40+ years to his career as an optometrist in Muskegon prior to retiring in 2023. Dr. Pascavis had a keen eye for detail, but what he thrived on the most was the relationships he built with his patients over the years. He was always willing to go above and beyond to treat each of his patients like family. Jim was a constant seeker of knowledge willing to put in the research and time to find a solution to help others. His hard work and tremendous love, kindness and precise care for his patients impacted his community greatly.
Jim was a faithful servant to Our Lord and Savior and former member of St. Mark Lutheran Church where he served as a Sunday School Superintendent and youth group leader. He was also a member of Lake Harbor United Methodist Church. In his earlier years, he enjoyed photography, coaching baseball and flying planes. He was known to many as being a “hobbiest” always trying a little bit of everything. Jim loved spending his time skiing, ice skating and kite boarding. He also restored several cars and was infamous for starting numerous projects, but never getting around to finishing them! Jim was an outgoing man, life of the party and always knew how to get the crowd going. He was a kind and generous man who always lent a helping hand. Jim will always be remembered as a loving husband, proud father, doting papa, wonderful brother, uncle, and dear friend to many. His tender-loving and vivacious spirit, which was balanced perfectly with his stubbornness will truly be missed.
He is survived by his wife, Janet Pascavis; daughter, Jessica (Alex) Kever; two grandchildren, Lexi Kever and Lian Kever; brother, Michael Pascavis; sister, Cheryl (Dennis) Court; sister-in-law, Terri VanderKooi; daughter-in-law, Kristy Pascavis; and cherished nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; and son, Jimmy M. Pascavis. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Lake Harbor United Methodist Church, 4861 Henry St., Norton Shores, MI 49441. A visitation with the family will be held one-hour prior at church. Memorial contributions in Jim’s honor can be directed to Lake Harbor United Methodist Church or Harbor Hospice. Arrangements entrusted to The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
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