09-06-2018 Tri-City Area Obituaries

WILLIAM P. JONES Jr.

William P. Jones Jr. (Bill) died peacefully at his home on Friday, August 31, 2018 surrounded by his wife Pat and children. Bill was born December 24, 1931 in Berrien Center, MI to his parents, William P. Jones Sr. and Veryl (Allen) Jones.

Bill graduated from Watervliet High School in 1950 where he excelled in sports. He lettered in football, basketball and baseball while playing on the conference championship basketball team in 1948 and the conference championship football team in 1949. Bill received his BA from Olivet College in 1954 where he played football, baseball, basketball, track, and golf. Bill was in the U.S. Army where he served in Korea from August 3, 1955 to May 31, 1957. Bill was married to Patricia Ann Holland (deceased 1984) on August 9, 1958. The union was blessed with six children. Bill is survived by five of his six children: Tim Jones (Tammy) of Benton Harbor, Judith Powers (Barrett) of Indianapolis, IN, Sarah Rodgers (Victor) of Benton Harbor, Michael Jones (Katherine) of St. Joseph and Amy Greenlay (Mike) of Woodbury, MN. Bill was married to Patricia Ann Opalski on June 15, 1991. Bill is survived by his loving wife Pat and her four children, Jeanette Opalski of San Jose, CA, Cheryl Opalski (Kent Sooter) of Stuart Island, WA, Glenn Opalski (Emily) of Chicago, IL, and Dan Opalski (Pam) of Bainbridge Island, WA. Bill is also survived by 16 grandchildren: Margaret Moffat (Christopher), Aaron Jones (Kristin), Toby Opalski, Glendon Opalski, McKay Powers, Marley Powers, Maggie Powers, Samantha Opalski, Nathanial Opalski, Olivia Opalski, Alex Jones, Molly Jones, Jamie Jones, Jonah Jones, Halston Greenlay, Landon Greenlay, and two great-grandchildren: Jack Moffat and Henry Moffat. Bill was preceded in death by his parents William Paul Jones Sr. and Veryl Jones, a son Jeffery Jones, and a son-in-law John Curtiss. Bill was a teacher, coach, social worker, and also worked in trucking and warehouse industry during his employment years. Bill enjoyed all sports; he was an avid golfer and a lifelong Cubs fan. He and Pat traveled extensively even though their backyard was one of their favorite spots. Bill had a unique sense of humor and a joke for every occasion. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, September 10, 2018, at 12 p.m., at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Don Finnefrock officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Monday, September 10, 2018, from 10 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: Berrien County Cancer Service, Caring Circle or The Readiness

Center. Those wishing to leave a condolence online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.

JAMES LESLIE COLMAN II

James Leslie Colman II, age 62 of Elkhart, Indiana passed away on August 30, 2018. He was in the care of Hospice, having been in declining health from several issues, and in the company of loving family. Jim was born March 7, 1956 in St. Joseph, Michigan to the late James L. Colman and Patricia (Frazier) Colman. His formative years were spent growing up on Beechwood Circle on Paw Paw Lake in Watervliet, Michigan, and in Sarasota, Florida after a 1972 family relocation for his mother’s health.

While in Watervliet, Jim was active in Boy Scouts, the First United Methodist Church, Little League, Panther football, Petite Chorale, band, and school theater. He graduated from Sarasota High School in 1974, then received his Bachelor of Science degree in Government and Economics from Florida State University in 1978. He experienced a successful career in corporate retail management, but his true passions were his family, music, and supporting his beloved Watervliet Panthers, Florida State Seminoles and Chicago Cubs. The importance of strong family ties, and support and recognition of the people who most influenced his life were uppermost in his heart. Jim will always be remembered as a man with a big personality and an even bigger heart-always ready with a funny story or anecdote, either helping a loved one through a difficult time, or continuing the oral tradition of relating the stories of his ancestors that were learned at his father’s knee. Jim is survived by his daughter Caitlin Colman (FL); siblings Patricia Colman Ausdenmore (NC), Steven Colman (Kitty) (FL), Thomas Colman (MI), Michael Colman (MI); nephew David Colman (FL) and niece Jennifer Colman Tokuda (Takamasa) (Sweden); great-nephews/nieces Anthony Colman, Tyshi Tokuda, Hannah Tokuda; and a large extended family of aunts, cousins, and friends. The family is being served by Elkhart Cremation Services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jim’s memory to the Jim Colman Memorial Fund at www.gofundme.com or to those organizations meaningful to the donor. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

RODNEY L. LYNCH Jr.

Rodney L. Lynch Jr. was born July 9, 1937, the only child born to Rodney and Mildred (Smith) Lynch. Rodney passed away at home on Saturday, September 1, 2018. On August 12, 1961 Rodney married the former Ellen Jonatzke. Ellen passed away on December 17, 2006. He was also preceded in passing by his parents. Rodney is survived by his two children: Rodney III of Hartford and Laurie (Mike) Roggow of Dowagiac and two grandchildren: Zach Bambrick and Jordan Hurst both of Watervliet and his faithful dog Draco. Rodney graduated from Hartford High School in the Class of 1956. After graduating, Rodney enlisted in the National Guard and was stationed at the Dowagiac Armory. He was formerly employed at Eliason Refrigeration, Auto Specialties and the Chemical Bank all in Hartford.

The family welcomed friends on Wednesday September 5, 2018 at the Central Assembly of God in Coloma. A celebration of life service to honor Rodney’s memory will commence at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 6, 2018 at the church, with Pastor Ed Richcreek officiating. Rodney will be laid to rest in Coloma Cemetery, next to his wife. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Fly Wheelers, Caring Circle Hospice or to the donor’s choice. The Calvin Funeral Home in Hartford is assisting the family. Memorial condolences for the family can be left on their website at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com. Death Notices Patricia V. “Pat” Russell, 89, of Hagar Shores died Aug. 28, 2018 at home. Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services, St. Joseph Raymond “Ray” Bujack, 69, of Coloma died Aug. 30, 2018 at Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph. Davidson Chapel – Florin Funeral Service, Coloma J. Marcos Reyna, 85, died Aug. 28, 2018 at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Kalamazoo. Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford Janna Alba Elias, 73, of Coloma died Aug. 31, 2018 at Hanson Hospice Center, Stevensville. Purely Cremations – Starks Family Funeral Homes, Benton Harbor