James E. Szymas' Obituary
Due to complications following heart surgery, James E. Szymas Sr., 89, Grand Haven, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family on May 9, 2020. James was fortunate to have his son David, an RN, care for him along with Hospice.
Jim was a lifelong resident of Grand Haven and a member of St. Patrick's church. Early in his adult life, he attended St. Joseph's Seminary in Grand Rapids and then the Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Jim then enlisted into the Army and graduated from the Counterintelligence Corps School at Fort Halbert, Maryland as an Intelligence Specialist. Assigned to the 66th CIC Group in Germany, he worked between Stuttgart and Bad Waldinger, until his discharge after the Korean War. Jim was also a member of The American Legion and The Knights of Columbus. He was always proud to be a veteran and of his country.
When he returned home, he attended Ferris State University and was elected president of the Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity and graduated in 1956. He went on to work as a pharmacist at Pfaff Pharmacy for 25 yrs. Three years into his time at Pfaff's, he married the love of his life, Mary, of nearly 62 years. He then went on to manage the new D&W Pharmacy for 13 yrs before retiring. Jim was instrumental in the organization and initial implementation of the Robinson Township Fire Department, where he volunteered as a charter member for 10 yrs. You can still see his name honored on the first Robinson Township firetruck today.
He was passionate about working on the farm with his family, caring for the horses, assisting with the 4-H Horse Club, and therapeutic horseback riding. He relaxed by gardening, cooking, and making his one of a kind candies. He was an avid golf player; who loved his dog "Jake" and his 1949 John Deere B tractor. Jim will always be remembered for his constant smile, kind words, and no complaints about life.
"A life well lived and a man well-loved."
He is survived by his wife, Mary; three children: Karen (Gary II) Orr, James (Vikki) Szymas, David Szymas all of Grand Haven; grandchildren: Stephanie Szymas, Tessa and Brylie Orr, Wyatt and Jory Szymas, Zach and Sarah Tardan, and Nicole (Eric) Macintyre; great-grandchildren: Brady and Grace Macintyre. He is also survived by his sister, Barb (Howard) Teasley. He was preceded in death by his parents: Joseph and Lena Szymas; sister, Patricia Ryder; brother, Joseph Szymas, Jr.; and granddaughter, Taylor Szymas.
Due to COVID-19, a Memorial Service will be held at a later time. Memorial contributions in Jim's name can be made to: Harbor Hospice (harborhospicemi.org). Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
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