James "Jim" Verville

James “Jim” Verville, 80, of Traverse City, Michigan, departed his earthly body on May 28, 2025, to be with his Heavenly Father after a courageous battle with cancer. Jim was born on September 24, 1944, in Hancock, Michigan, to Wilfred Pierre and Mary Tyyne (Frantila) Verville. He grew up in the Upper Peninsula, where he spent his early years learning the value of hard work, family, and faith. He was a graduate of Michigan Technological University, earning a degree in Forestry in 1969. Shortly after graduation, Jim married Ruth Jalkanen, and the couple began their life together in South Dakota, where Jim started his professional career in forestry. His work and dedication eventually led him to become the longest-serving State Forester of South Dakota up to that time. Drawn by a desire to return to his roots, Jim and his family relocated to Michigan where he transitioned to a role as an Environmental and Safety Manager for an automotive manufacturer in Eaton Rapids. Later in life, Jim found deep fulfillment in a third career as a benefits counselor for the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan. His commitment to helping others was evident in all that he did. After retiring, Jim remained deeply active in his community. He became a beloved member of the pickleball community in Traverse City and played regularly for more than a decade. He was instrumental in organizing the Traverse City Cherry Bombers Club and was cherished for the friendships he fostered there. Beyond his professional and community contributions, Jim enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. He loved golfing with his wife and friends, playing euchre with the Newcomers Club, working in his garage, and cheering on the Detroit Tigers, Lions, Red Wings, and Pistons. Gardening brought him peace, and he took joy in planning, planting, and harvesting. He was also a talented cook who loved experimenting with new recipes. Jim is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Jan Altizer-Verville; his son, Jonathan (Sarah Joy) Verville of Virginia; and grandsons, Anders and Jakob. He is also survived by his stepdaughter Colleen (Matt) Revard and step-grandson Leo; his mother-in-law Sue Snow of Traverse City; and brother-in-law Michael (Susan) Snow of Traverse City. Jim was a beloved uncle to numerous nieces and nephews, a cherished cousin, and a dear friend to many. Also surviving is his loyal rescue dog, Bootsie, adopted from Texarkana and a source of joy and companionship. He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents Wilfred and Augusta Verville, and Eino and Liisa Frantila; his brother, Ronald; his sister, Carolyn; and his first wife, Ruth (Jalkanen) Verville. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Kensington Church, 6880 Secor Rd, Traverse City, MI 49685, with visitation beginning at 10:00 AM. Please visit Reynolds-Jonkhoff.com to share online condolences or sign the guest register. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Great Lakes Humane Society, 7246 E. Harrys Rd., Traverse City, MI 49684, in honor of Jim’s love for animals and in memory of his faithful companion, Bootsie.

James "Jim" Verville

September 24, 1944 - May 28, 2025