James "Jim" Leonard Lewandowski

JAMES LEONARD LEWANDOWSKI died March 27, 2015, at home, surrounded by his loving family, after succumbing to an eight-month courageous battle with cancer. Jim was born in Detroit on August 17, 1937, to Andrew and Gertrude Lewandowski. Jim’s love and devotion to his loving wife of 53 years, Judith Ann (Nothstine), his 3 son’s, Eric (Shirley) of Nashville TN; Joel (Amy) of Holly MI; and Neil Robert (Linda) of Portland, OR; his grandchildren, Matthew, AJ, Abigail, Nicholas, Jack, Ella and his great-grandson, Landon, his sister, Patricia (Downey), and numerous nieces, nephews and friends have always been a priority for him and a source of deep joy. With pride and integrity, he led his family by example, always demonstrating what it means to be responsible, hard working, and honest. Jim was a true Michigan sports enthusiast. He enjoyed watching the Red Wings, Tigers and anything Michigan State. He also enjoyed playing tennis, fishing, traveling, tasting fine wines, and making rich memories. He is an alumnus of GMI Engineering and Management Institute and the Stanford University Executive Program. He honorably served six years in the Army Reserve. Jim began his General Motors career in 1955 as a co-op student sponsored by the Cadillac Division. Following assignments in the Cadillac manufacturing, public affairs and personnel functions, he was assigned to the GM Labor Relations Staff. He then moved to Oldsmobile Division in Lansing and became Director of Personnel. After reassignment to GM’s headquarters, Jim's broad-gauge track record, reputation for creativity, and personal qualities led to his appointment by GM's executive committee as Saturn Corporation's founding Vice President of Human Resources. Once Saturn was up and running, in 1990, Jim retired and founded People Systems International, an entrepreneurial consultancy based in Brentwood, Tennessee, dedicated to the concept that organizations should engage with their workforce on a basis that was collaborative and systematic. Jim made his lasting mark, not only on the hearts of his family and friends, but on the automotive industry, by always making people the focus. He will be missed immeasurably and always remembered for encouraging others to “always do your best and do it with integrity and conviction”. Visitation for family, friends, and colleagues will be held on Friday, April 10, 2015 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home (305 Sixth Street, Traverse City, Michigan, 49684). A vigil for the deceased will take place on Friday, at 7 p.m. at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Elk Rapids (143 Charles, Elk Rapids, MI 49629). Mass from the Order of Christian Funerals will be celebrated on Saturday, April 11, 2015, at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, Reverend Robert J. Zuchowski presiding. Jim will be laid to rest in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Jim may be directed to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Highfield Inc., which helps provide a second chance to boys in Ingham County and was close to Jim's heart (4305 S. Cedar Street, Lansing, MI 48910), or to Munson Cancer Research Fund (1150 Medical Campus Drive, Traverse City, MI, 49684). Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your condolences with Jim's family and to sign his online guestbook. The family is being cared for by the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

James "Jim" Leonard Lewandowski

August 17, 1937 - March 27, 2015