ames (Jim) Yurchak passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 28, 2022 surrounded by family. Jim was the very definition of Family Man. His life here on earth was dedicated to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The legacy he created was centered around his faith and family. His dedication to the Lord was undeniable and showed through decades of service at the First Baptist Church in Plainwell. He served his family as their number one fan. His eager ear was always interested in hearing every detail of their lives. Born on October 23, 1932 in Streator, Illinois to Albert and Margaret (Yedinak) Yurchak, Jim learned at a young age about hard work and determination. Growing up in Gary, Indiana, his first job was on a paper route and later he worked at the Phillips 66 station where he first laid his eyes on the beautiful MaryEllen Hastings. After High School, Jim entered the Navy Reserve. When he was called to Active Duty in 1952 he was allowed a short furlough and travelled back to Indiana to quickly wed MaryEllen on October 30th, 1954. While in the Navy Jim worked in Internal Communications and attended Submarine School. He was eventually stationed upon the USS Tusk before being discharged in 1955. After the Navy, Jim worked for Illinois Bell. He built their home in Portage, IN after outgrowing their home in Aetna and eventually took a job for Michigan Bell which brought him and his family to Plainwell, purchasing their present home on B Ave in 1966. Jim and MaryEllen's family continued to grow as they added Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren who kept them busy attending sports, concerts and events. Each and every grandchild truly believed that they were the favorite and Jim would never let them think otherwise. He is survived by his wife, MaryEllen, sister, Eleanor (Patrick) Dolan, children: Dianne (Doug) DeYoung, Bryan (Alaina) Yurchak, Ruth (Jim) Reis. Grandchildren: Mark (Rochelle) Howard, Jason (Kendra) DeYoung, Julie (Beau) Taylor, Troy (Raquel) Yurchak, Ashley (Bill) Beck, Jamie (Kevin) Maloney, Kody Yurchak, Daniel Yurchak, Logan (Kailey) Pickett, Elizabeth (Jake) Sawyer, Benjamin Yurchak. Many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Donald Yurchak and Marcella (Yurchak) Hyde and children, Douglas James and Bruce Thomas Yurchak and Kathryn (Yurchak) Pickett. Cremation has taken place. A military burial service will be held at Ft. Custer National Cemetery on August 2, at 12 noon. Donations may be made in his name to Centrica Care Navigators (Hospice) of Kalamazoo Service Details. Online Memory & Photo Sharing Event Ongoing Online Event About this event In Loving Memory Of James Yurchak October 23, 1932 - May 28, 2022 Look inside to read what others have shared Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in this book. View Tribute Book