James Achatz

James “Jim” Cyril Achatz, age 74 years, passed away Tuesday, February 8, 2022. His journey began May 5th 1947 in Marine City, Michigan. He was born to the late Cyril and Agnes (Jensen) Achatz. Jim was a devout catholic and a member of Saint Augustine Catholic Church in Hillman, Michigan. He devoted most of his life serving the community as a member of the Knights of Columbus, and just recently celebrated 40 years as a Knight.

Jim loved life and lived it well. He will be remembered by his family as generous and hard-working man who was a loving husband, father, and brother. He walked his life with Jesus and always prayed the rosary. He taught his children that life was a gift from God.

Jim was a wonderful father and his children’s biggest fan; he never missed a game or sporting event that they participated in. He also lent his time as a pee wee football coach, little league and pony league coach and was a mentor to other young men in his community. The most important thing that Jim taught his children was to love. He was always there to listen with a tender heart and the phone calls just to say hello will be sorely missed. For the past few years Jim and his sons chartered a fishing boat and had the time of their lives.

His 19 grandchildren looked up to him. They respected his work ethic and saw his gratitude to God through the dedication to the land he farmed.  He was always teaching the children something new about the farm and the never-ending tractor rides will never be forgotten.

Jim worked hard throughout his life. He loved his family farm - Anchor Creek, he loved to cut wood, and operate heavy machinery but he loved being a skidder operator the most. His family will think of him often as a man who loved his farm and anything involving a tractor.

Jim had a deep appreciation for everything outdoors. He loved to hunt turkey, deer, and mushrooms. He was proud to teach many members of his family how to hunt.

Jim also enjoyed the little things in life. He loved an old western, playing solitaire, an ice-cold Vernors, homemade donuts, and an afternoon nap.  He enjoyed watching the most beautiful sunsets with his family from his dining room window. Jim was proud of his family. He loved pictures of his loved ones and would always tell you the story to go with the photo. His happiness was contagious, and his smile will never be forgotten. Jim’s true passion in life was his faith and his family.

Jim blessed this earth with generosity, kindness, and love for 74 years. He will be missed.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Cyril and Agnes; sister, Kathleen Rose; and beloved uncle, Harvey Jensen. Jim’s legacy will be carried on by his beloved wife, Rebecca Achatz; brother, Steven (Pamela) Achatz; former spouse Katherine Roberts; children, Thomas (Christina) Achatz, Patrick (Diana) Achatz, Michelle (Brent) Schmidt, Craig(Amber) Androl, David (Leasa) Androl; grandchildren: Grace, Jeven, Caleb, Joseph, Olivia, Nora, Elizabeth, Charles, Abraham, Agnes, Joseph Francis, Nicole, Allyson, Bryce, Kennedy, Jade, Ethan, Evan, Ayden; great-grandchildren, Vyva, Delila, Quinn, Laken, and Cheryl; nieces and nephews, Brad, Kurt, and Stephanie Rose, Mike, Greg, and Heather Achatz.

Funeral services for Jim will take place at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 11, 2022 at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Hillman; Fr. Jim Siler officiating. Visitation will take place from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM on Thursday, February 10, 2022 at the church and again on Friday from 10:00 AM until time of service. In lieu of flowers donations are suggested to the family.