James "Jim" Mark Leibenguth, 72, of Traverse City, Michigan passed away peacefully at home on October 27, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving wife of 38 years and two daughters.

Jim was born February 8th,1950 in Monroe, Michigan, where he was raised by his Mother (Phyllis Kurtz), Father (Charles Leibenguth), and Step-Father (Edward Kurtz), who helped raise Jim from the age of seven after Charles passed away. Jim grew up in a busy and full household with his five siblings. He graduated from Monroe Highschool in 1969 and attended all of his Highschool reunions in the following 54 years of his life.

In 1974, Jim graduated with his Masters in Political Science from Central Michigan University and attained his Juris Doctorate from the University of Toledo in 1979. During his college years, Jim formed many amazing friendships and memories he kept with him throughout his life.

Shortly after venturing up to Traverse City to start his career, Jim met his now wife Patricia "Patty" Leibenguth (Drzewiecki) on a cross-country ski trip. Patty and Jim were married on July 21st,1984 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, which remained the same church that Jim and Patty continued to grow their faith and family in. In marrying Patty, Jim gained even more family members, who he enjoyed spending time with at family gatherings and the occasional polka festival.

Jim and Patty welcomed their two daughters, Sarah McFaul (Leibenguth) and Emily Leibenguth into the world in 1985 and 1987. Jim was a proud and devoted father who enjoyed spending time with his daughters. He was blessed to gain a son-in-law (Andrew McFaul) in 2019 and welcomed his first granddaughter (Maple McFaul) in August 2022.

In his free time, Jim loved to play guitar, dance, cook, boat, and travel. Jim had quite the green thumb, always working in the flower garden or perfecting his lawn. You could often find Jim doing odd jobs in his garage, listening to music from the likes of The Beach Boys, The Beatles, or Jimmy Buffet. In the winter, Jim loved making fires in his stone fireplace after snow plowing the driveway and was always up for a good game of Euchre around the dinner table.

A lover of all Michigan sports, Jim remained a true Detroit Lions and Tigers fan until the end of his life. Not only did Jim like watching sports, but he spent most of his childhood and young adult years as a talented athlete - playing football, basketball, baseball, and throwing a few left hooks while boxing.

Jim was also passionate about his career as an oil and gas attorney. He continued to work up until the day he became sick, only closing his Law firm in June of 2022 after working there for over 40 years. Through his work industry, Jim met many lifelong friends and was a true example of someone who loved what they did.

As a man of strong will and strong faith, Jim left this earth at peace and felt comforted knowing that God would welcome him with loving arms. His hope was that although death is sad, his life would forever be celebrated, and his memory would continue to bring joy to all who knew him.

Jim is survived by his wife Patricia Leibenguth (Drzeiwiecki), daughters Sarah (Andy) McFaul and Emily Leibenguth, siblings Linda Sykes, Charles (Sue) Leibenguth, Tom Leibenguth, David (Jodi) Kurtz, John (Renee) Kurtz, 22 nieces and nephews, 33 great-nieces and nephews, and many loving friends.

Visitation for Jim will take place from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, November 11, at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. The funeral will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 12, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, with visitation starting one hour prior and a luncheon to follow.

If you would like to make a memorial contribution in honor of Jim, please consider Bethlehem Lutheran Church or Munson Hospice Foundation.

Jim's family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Kindly share thoughts and memories with his family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .