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Obituary for James "Jim" Arthur Chase
James “Jim” Arthur Chase, 77, of Milford, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 20th, 2021, at his home surrounded by his family. Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, athlete, entrepreneur, and friend to all who knew him.
He is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Debra (née Schwenk); his son, Steven; his son, Eric (Lindahl) of South Bend, Indiana; his son, Scott (Anastasia) of Royal Oak, Michigan; his brother, Carl of Maui, Hawaii; his grandsons, Miles and Spencer; and his granddog, Harper. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Mary (née VanderWeele), and his daughter Stephanie.
Jim was born in Battle Creek, Michigan on September 25th, 1943. He attended Galesburg- Augusta High School. He was an avid athlete, earned a total of 13 Varsity letters, and held the school record in the High Hurdles for 51 years.
He proudly graduated from Michigan State University in 1965 with a B.S. in Natural Science, and remained a lifelong Spartan fan and football season ticket holder.
He married his wife Debbie on February 27th, 1980. They welcomed two children, Eric and Scott, and established their family in Milford, Michigan.
In 1980 he founded his corporation Chase-Nedrow Industries in Wixom, Michigan, which specializes in the design and manufacturing of precast refractory products. In 2020, he received a lifetime achievement award from Harbison Walker.
Jim was a Tennessee Squire, a member of Baypointe Country Club, Michigan Manufacturers Association, Michigan State University President’s Club, Harley Owner’s Group, VFW, Moose, Elks, the American Legion, and the Ancient and Honorable Order of Turtles. He was also the Detroit Chapter President of the American Foundry Society from 1982-1983.
A true sports fan, he held season tickets for the Detroit Pistons, Red Wings, Tigers, and Lions. He enjoyed travelling out west on his Harley, and to Arizona and Florida with his wife Debbie. On the weekends, Jim could be found cheering on Spartan teams to victory at Chasers in Michigan or Hog Heaven at “the Lake”.
A memorial service is planned for August in Rochester, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a donation to Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools Foundation, 1076 N. 37th St., Galesburg, MI 49053. Note on check that it is in memory of Jim Chase. https://www.g-aschools.org/o/gacs/page/gacs-foundation.
