James Bigelow

James Bigelow of Kalamazoo passed away peacefully on May 29, 2025, at the age of 95. He was born on September 7, 1929, in Kalamazoo to Howard and Ruth (Cooley) Bigelow. Jim married the love of his life, Mary (Pat) Patricia Robertson, on September 9, 1950. He graduated from Western Michigan University in 1951 and went on to enjoy a long career with Trane, which later became American Standard, retiring in 1992.

A lifelong learner, Jim generously shared his knowledge with others. He even wrote the manual for using every tool in the woodshop at Friendship Village, where he lived in his later years. A man of quiet wisdom and tireless curiosity, he was rarely seen without his computer—ready to research anything. He meticulously created spreadsheets for everything. He read The Wall Street Journal daily and delighted in uncovering new information for friends and family.

Jim was deeply involved in his church and found joy in traveling and meaningful conversation with his closest friends. Jim’s calm demeanor, thoughtful perspective, and unwavering positivity left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. Never one to raise his voice or pass judgment, he often posed gentle questions like, “Have you looked at it this way?” or reminded others, “When you’re trying to figure something out, sometimes things just don’t come together.” To those who loved him, he was a quiet hero and, as his family puts it, a national treasure.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Pat; his son, Douglas; and his sisters, Mary Ruddiman and Barbara Jordan. He is survived by his daughters: Dee Reilly and Charlotte Andrist; daughter-in-law, Becky Bigelow; grandchildren: Elyse (Patrick) Warncke, Alex (Lauren) Bigelow, and Nicholas (McKayla) Andrist; great-grandchildren: Jack and Emma; brother, John Bigelow; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 21, at 11 AM at St. Martin of Tours Episcopal Church, 2010 Nichols Rd., Kalamazoo. A reception will follow the service, with burial at Mountain Home Cemetery.

Celebrate Jim’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Friendship Village for the Employee Appreciation Fund. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the dedicated teams at Friendship Village, Centrica Care Navigators, and Rose Arbor for their compassionate care. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, (269) 375-2900.