James "Jim" R. Lizenby, 88, of Traverse City passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 14, 2019 at Munson Medical Center. Jim was born on January 22, 1931 in Hubbell, Michigan to the late William and Hazel (Dube) Lizenby. Jim was Valedictorian of his graduating class from Dollar Bay High School. He was a great baseball player and was a member of many teams. Jim graduated from Michigan Technological University in 1953 with a Bachelor's Degree in Metallurgical Engineering. He met Patricia Perreault in January of 1954. Living in Ann Arbor the letters went back and forth, dating on the weekends when possible because Jim had a fulltime job at the Engineering Research Institute on campus. After his first year at University of Michigan Jim took a job with Chrysler Motor Company, while working he continued his MBA at night school at the Rackham Graduate School at U of M in Dearborn. He moved to Center Line, MI and lived with his relatives. Jim and Pat were engaged on Dec. 18, 1954. He married the love of his life Patricia on June 18, 1955 at St. Clement Catholic Church in Center Line. Jim graduated with his Master's in Business Administration in 1957 from U of M. he then continued night school and earned another Master's Degree in Economics from the University of Detroit. After Chrysler he later was employed with Vickers, Sheller and Kelsey Hayes. In 1978, he moved his family to Traverse City, where in the mid 1980's, he started TranTek Automation of which he was an owner and he operated until he retired in 1999 at the age of 69. He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Jim was a very good friend of Father Fred and was a founding board member of The Father Fred Foundation. His work with Father and the board to Listen, Care and Share, and compassion to treat all people with dignity and respect was a conviction they shared. He served Mass from his elementary years until he graduated from Michigan Tech. From 1970-74 Jim served on the Michigan Tech Alumni Association Board of Directors, he served as Vice President of the board from 1972-74. He was also a member of the Michigan Tech Fund Board of Trustee in 1979. In 1976 the University awarded Jim with the Board of Control Silver Medal Award for his exemplary service to the University. He was a past Rotarian and member of the Traverse City Golf and Country Club. In his spare time Jim enjoyed playing golf, cards and bowling. Jim was a huge University of Michigan Fan; "Go Blue." He also loved to travel, taking countless road trips with his family back to the Keeweenaw Peninsula as well as many trips with the Nomads travel group. In retirement, Jim found a passion for photography. He had a true talent for manipulating and editing pictures to create his own personal prints. Jim was a soft-spoken man, a loving and caring husband, a wonderful dad, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother. Above all spending time with his family was his greatest joy.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Patricia, three sons and a daughter; Kevin (Mary) Lizenby, Scott (Vickie) Lizenby, Michelle Lizenby and Mark (Walt) Lizenby. Also surviving are five grandchildren; Cameron, Zachary, Ashley, Taylor and Dillon, a great-grandson, Bryson and a brother, George Lizenby.
A Mass of Christian Burial honoring Jim will take place at 11:00 a.m., with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m., on Tuesday, March 26, 2019 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 308 N. Cedar St., Traverse City, Michigan 49684. Rev. Fr. James Hayden will officiate. Rite of Committal will take place at a later date in Oakwood Diocesan Catholic Cemetery.
Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to The Father Fred Foundation, 826 Hastings, Traverse City, MI 49686 or Munson Hospice House, 450 Brooks St., Traverse City, MI 49684.
Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Jim's family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .
The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.