Jim Stasik

With a warm, welcoming smile and a story ready to share, Jim Stasik lived a life rich in family, faith, and friends. Jim naturally connected with people, putting them at ease and engaging in endless conversations. Blessed with a sharp mind and never-ending curiosity, Jim knew so much information about so many different things. He was a vivid storyteller who never ran out of material and always entertained his listeners. An eternal optimist, Jim would always let you know that he was “living the dream,” despite all the hardships that had been thrown his way. Jim will long be remembered for his persevering spirit, generosity, and love for life.

Jim was born the second youngest of six children to Raymond and Mary Rita (Gentle) Stasik on December 1st, 1955 in Bay City, MI. Growing up in a large, Catholic neighborhood filled with many kids, Jim was never short for someone to play with. After completing his elementary education at St. Mary’s Catholic School, Jim attended T.L. Handy High School in Bay City. While at Handy, Jim played football, but his favorite role was as editor-in-chief of the school paper, The Handy Pep. Jim loved writing and his role within the paper allowed him to express his creativity and expose his love for storytelling to a wider audience.

As a young adult, Jim had the opportunity to take the adventure of a lifetime and backpack through Europe. All throughout his life, Jim recounted fond memories of this trip and gushed about how he felt so fortunate to be able to explore so many different cultures and people from around the world. Jim had always wanted to recreate this trip with his own family, but due to physical limitations with his illness, he never got the chance. Jackie, Abbey, and Sarah intend on going on this trip sometime next year, in his honor. The one place Jim said that he regretted not seeing was the Vatican. And during this trip, his family intends to make his dream a reality.

For many years, Jim worked for the General Motors Corporation in Bay City, but after being laid off, Jim moved to Portage, MI to continue a career in the automotive business. After another string of layoffs, Jim took the opportunity to pivot his career and applied to the Upjohn Company (now known as Pfizer), where he worked for 22 years as a Chemical Operator. Jim enjoyed his time at work and felt that by making medicine for others, he worked in a profession where he was truly making a difference in the lives of others.

When he was a senior in high school, Jim took notice of a beautiful freshman in the hallway. While they did not often cross paths in high school, they finally came together through mutual friends a few years later. After dating for several years, Jim proposed to Jackie, the girl he spotted in the hallway years earlier. Jim and Jackie were married on September 22, 1984 and spent ten wonderful years together before welcoming their first child, Abigail “Abbey” in 1994.

Followed 3 years later, by their second daughter, Sarah. As a father, Jim was his daughters’ biggest fan. Whether it be soccer, dance, ice skating, golf, or even cheerleading, Jim was there, pacing the sidelines and cheering on his girls.

Jim wore many different titles throughout his life: husband, dad, brother, son, friend, “Bobby,” but perhaps his most widely-known title, soccer coach. Jim began his coaching career in the early 2000s when his daughters were interested in playing, but were having difficulty finding a place to play. Although reluctant since Jim himself had never played soccer, he took on the challenge and never looked back. Over the years, Jim coached countless soccer teams for his girls and many other children in the Vicksburg and surrounding communities. Jim stepped up in many different ways to ensure that his daughters always had a place to play soccer with their friends. He even took on the role of becoming the President of the Sting Soccer Club. Jim was a giant in the local soccer community and is remembered by many of his former athletes for always keeping the game fun. He effortlessly recognized the value in everyone and helped others see the value in themselves.

Jim always found hobbies that included time with family. He loved golfing with his favorite partner, his wife Jackie. He cherished time cheering on his beloved Michigan State Spartan football team, whether in the stands as a season ticket holder or at home in his recliner. He also enjoyed fishing in the rowboat with his girls, even if they didn’t catch a thing, he always loved spending time on the water. Even when he was wheelchair bound, he would often make his way over to sit by the lake down the road from his home. Jim was also an avid reader, often reading historical nonfiction. Because of this, he was incredibly knowledgeable about an array of subjects. Nobody would challenge Jim to a game of trivia, because it was always obvious who would win!

An inspiration to all who were blessed to know him, Jim led by example and lived his life with no regrets. For Jim, the most important moments in his life were the ones spent surrounded by family. Whether it be a trip to their favorite family vacation spot, Cocoa Beach, or just a bike ride to get ice cream, Jim never missed out on an opportunity to be with the ones he loved.

James Stasik of Vicksburg, age 68, died on May 3, 2024 after a seven year battle with ALS and 3 month battle with cancer. He is preceded in death by his mother and father, Raymond and Mary Rita (Gentle) Stasik, his infant brother, John Stasik, and brother-in-law, Thomas Kostus. Surviving are his wife, Jackie; children Abigail Stasik and Sarah (Hunter) Van; siblings: Thomas (Nancy) Stasik, Richard (Janis) Stasik, Elizabeth (Robert) Pierson, Shirley Kostus, Barbara (Ronald) Gwizdala; and many nieces and nephews.

Mass will be celebrated Friday, May 17 at 11 AM at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Vicksburg. A Life Story Celebration will follow on Friday, May 17, from 4-7 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo 269-375-2900, where food, drinks, and stories will be shared. Celebrate Jim’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com.