James Edward Tabaczka, loving son, brother, uncle and friend, age 70, of Grand Haven, MI, was welcomed by his heavenly Father, July 30, while surrounded by the love of his family.

He was born February 12, 1953 in Manistee to the late Harry (Jerry) and Dolores (Switalski) Tabaczka.

Jim was a proud graduate of Manistee Catholic Central class of 1971.  He continued his education to receive an Associate Degree of Commercial Art / Business from Ferris State College and an Associate Degree of Science / Business from Muskegon Community College.

Jim was a kindhearted, forgiving and humble man.  His love of family was paramount and he was a loyal friend.  He saw the good in everyone. Jim was dedicated to caring for his pets: Freeway, Tinkerbell and Cali.

Jim battled Parkinson's with grace and determination, being too stubborn to let it stop or slow him down.  His final days were met with unbelievable courage and faith.

Jim was proudly the Editor/Graphics Editor of his high school yearbook. He also used his artistic talents for everything from his landscaping and sculptures to personalized greeting cards and floral arrangements.

He volunteered at an Assisted Living facility as well as being an usher in his church.

Our family reunion was especially important to Jim as he diligently maintained the family records and family tree.  A limb has fallen from our family tree.  Hear his voice that says, "Grieve not for me".  Remember the best times, the laughter, the song, the good life he lived while he was strong.

He long enjoyed roller skating, dancing and walking.

If you should notice a beautiful yard with colorful flowers, wildflowers spilling along the roadway or hear the inspirational hymn Prayer of St. Francis (his favorite) please think of him.

Survivors that are sharing in their grief include Jim's siblings Larry Tabaczka of Manistee, Michigan, Ron Tabaczka and his partner Jeanette Spitler of Big Sky, Montana, Colleen and her husband David Berns of Manistee, Michigan, Kathleen and her husband Dennis Cromer of Manistee, Michigan, Jerry Tabaczka and his wife Jane of Manistee, Michigan, Lynn and her husband James DeOrdio of Arlington, Texas.  His loving family includes nieces and nephews Kevin (Gretchen) Tabaczka, Ryan (Erin) Tabaczka, Katie Olsen, Diana (Steve) McIntyre, Maureen (Bob McMaster) Tabaczka, Kenneth Tabaczka, Christine (Michael) Garrett, Matthew (Rhonda) Berns, Darol Stacy, Jill (Nicholas) Barnum and Jenna Tabaczka (Andrea Ciochetti).  Jim is also survived by his best friend, Larry Mrozik of Manistee, Michigan.

He was preceded in death by loving parents Harry (Jerry) and Dolores Tabaczka, sister Karen Tabaczka (infant), niece Laura Stacy and nephew Aaron Tabaczka.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, August 18, 2023, at 12 noon at St. Joseph Catholic Church of Divine Mercy Parish in Manistee with Rev. Mitchel Roman Celebrant.  Final interment of Jim's cremated remains will follow at Mount Carmel Cemetery also in Manistee. The family will receive friends at the church on Friday morning one hour prior to the funeral Mass.

Come

If we but lend a helping hand

To those who are in need;

If we but smile and reassure

And do that small good deed;

When comes the day to judge the world

Our Maker we will see

And He will say, with finger curled:

"Come – live up here with Me!"

(Poem by Jim's Mother, Dolores Tabaczka)

Memorials in Jim's honor may be made to Manistee Catholic Central School, Manistee County Humane Society or Parkinson's Foundation Great Lakes Chapter.  Envelopes will be available at the back of the church during visitation and at Herbert Funeral Home.
Gratitude is expressed by the family to those who so kindly cared for Jim at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital and Trinity Health Grand Haven and Muskegon Hospitals. We are also so very grateful for the kindness of Jim's neighbors and his church family at St. Patrick – St. Anthony Catholic Parish Church, Grand Haven, Michigan.

The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements.