James Sanderson

A devoted husband, music enthusiast, and lover of nature, Jim Sanderson’s adventurous spirit, quick wit, and quiet strength inspired everyone he met. He was a man who found joy in each day and who filled his life with deep connections, curiosity, and unwavering kindness. An inspiration to all who were blessed to know him, Jim will long be remembered by those he so dearly loved.

After years of misery brought on by the Great Depression and World War II, 1949 marked a significant period of postwar prosperity, as a consumer-driven society drove sales of cars, televisions, and other goods. The establishment of NATO, the first sale of a Volkswagen Beetle in the US, the first successful television sitcom, and the introduction of the first Polaroid camera marked 1949 as a year of hope, growth, and consumerism. The nation’s focus was on family and building a brighter future. Nowhere was there more hope than in the hearts and home of Jack and Betty Sanderson as they welcomed their son Jim to their family on June 17, in Detroit, Michigan.

Jim loved growing up in Detroit and became good friends with the three boys who lived next door. His mom was a factory worker before she became a stay-at-home mom and was the go-to person in the neighborhood. His dad was a plant manager for control panels. Jim’s parents instilled a good work ethic and an appreciation of music that became a major influence on his life. His dad was the first on the block to have a high-fidelity stereo system, having built it himself.

From an early age, Jim was always up for an adventure. Summers in Caseville, Michigan, at his uncle’s cabin were always fun times. He loved jumping in the lake and never forgot the time his aunt was surprised by a snake while using the outhouse. When he was seven or eight, he and his friends played street hockey. On their way home, they’d sneak through back yards and steal delicious treats from the gardens. Then they’d sit on top of the school and eat the goods. One time, he accidentally stole hot peppers. They also put stinky cheese on the engine of the grumpy old man who lived on their street. They had to avoid that area so the neighbor wouldn’t spray them with the hose. When they were older, they drove a car onto a frozen lake one night, and they all got out safely, but the car drowned.

After enlisting for the draft, Jim served his first six months in the Army in Hawaii, where he spent as much time as he could learning to surf. He was reassigned to Okinawa, Japan, where he was part of top-secret radio communications during the Vietnam War.. It was there that he was wounded in a fight with a local while getting street food; he always described the wound as “a paper cut.” He was reassigned and became a postman and the most popular person in the troop. He loved having his own jeep and surfing with his buddies after finishing his rounds.

Jim had the good fortune of meeting his future wife, Jill Strobel, at Portage Pub. Jill was in a pool league on Wednesday nights; the team captain was a coworker and close friend of Jim’s. For a year, Jim would have dinner with Jill at the pub every other Wednesday before they finally went on a date. A true gentleman, he saved her a seat and ordered a drink for her when she showed up late for the pool finals. Jim and Jill were happily married in 1995.

Jim found joy in life’s simple pleasures, including taking canoe trips, where he was always the life of the trip. A big kid himself, Jim loved watching kids do kid things. Jim loved to cook, and though he was famous for making a mess while he cooked, He was also the “hostess with the mostest,” who made sure to have things stocked for friends and family. He especially loved apple pie and Snickerdoodles. Inheriting his father’s mantra, “a shot and a beer,” Jim loved high-end scotch and tequila. He enjoyed watching a YouTube series of a father and son rating various types of scotch. A lover of all animals, Jim spent hours deer and birdwatching and talking to the animals, including dogs. He was also a Frank Lloyd Wright fan.

Despite possessing a bit of stubbornness, Jim will always be remembered for being thoughtful, selfless, and funny. He was never one to complain. Jim was eternally optimistic, even when facing difficult circumstances, such as caring for his father, who had dementia. Even in his final days, Jim led with his heart, listening to others, sharing hopeful stories, and making Jill laugh.

Jim Sanderson of Kalamazoo, age 76, died on September 17, 2025. Jim was born June 17, 1949, in Detroit. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Betty Sanderson. Surviving are his wife, Jill Strobel; fur kid, Pumpkin; in-laws: Clark (Jean) Strobel, Susan Strobel, Shelley (Ed) Strobel-Erhardt, Julie Lanka; and nieces: Anna Lanka, Mara (Carl) Strobel-Lanka. Private services to take place.

Cremation has taken place and private services will be held. 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 the Susan Mast ALS Foundation. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900.