James P. Toczynski, age 74, of Manistee, MI, died Friday, Dec. 22, 2023 at his home in Filer Township.  He was born March 25, 1949 in Manistee, son of the late Floyd A. & Genevieve T. (Duby) Toczynski.

He attended St. Joseph School and graduated valedictorian from Manistee Catholic Central with the class of 1967.  He attended Michigan State University as a merit scholar, receiving his bachelor's degree in 1971.  He was employed as a computer programmer with the Michigan State Police in East Lansing, where Jim resided from 1975 until his retirement in 2003.  Shortly after his retirement from the MSP, he returned to Manistee to help care for his parents.

Jim was a lifelong musician.  His interest and love of music began early on, which included accordion lessons and participation in grade school and high school band and eventually becoming a member of Band X.  The band was inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends online Hall of Fame in 2012. https://michiganrockandrolllegends.com/mrrl-hall-of-fame https://www.youtube.comwatch?v=yi6lhaDS6rM (How Good the Rain). He enjoyed playing numerous Band X reunions, the last of which was the Salt City Rock & Blues Music Fest of Manistee in 2021. Jim continued to share the gifts of his time and talents to entertain residents of the local care homes at Green Acres Assisted Living and the Manistee County Medical Care playing piano.

He was an activist and advocate for numerous groups, conscious of environmental issues and social injustices.  He was a proud member of Call to Action, DignityUSA, PFLAG Manistee and Manistee 100 Men Who Care. He was a member of Divine Mercy Parish of Manistee.  He was supportive of the Manistee County Library and also the Vogue Theatre to help preserve their histories.  He enjoyed reading, watching Jeopardy and attending Trivia Night at area establishments with his brother & sister-in-law.  His vast and obscure trivia knowledge was often feared but revered.

Jim was appreciative of nature's beauty.  He enjoyed paddling the lakes and rivers of Northern Michigan and shared one of his last river paddling adventures together with his sister near her home in Florida this past spring. He was thankful for hiking trails, camping, kayaking and canoeing as well as Yoga classes.  Most of all, Jim expressed his thankfulness for the incredibly loving family and friends he was blessed to have.

He is survived by his partner, Dennis Dunlap of East Lansing, MI; his sister & brother-in-law, Barbara & Henry Perri of New Port Richie, FL and his brother & sister-in-law, Philip & Traci Toczynski of Manistee, MI;  Numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, nephews and cousins also survive him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Marianne Kubacki.

According to his wishes, natural burial has taken place.

Mass From The Order of Christian Funerals will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 5, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church (Divine Mercy Parish) of Manistee with Rev. Mitchel Roman celebrant. Following the funeral Mass, a graveside service and blessing will commence at Mt. Carmel Cemetery also in Manistee.

A vigil service will be held at 8:00 PM Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024 at Herbert Funeral Home in Manistee.  The family will be at the funeral home to receive friends for visitation on Thursday evening from 5:00 to 9:00 PM.

Family and friends will begin to gather at the church from approximately 10:30 AM Friday morning just prior to Mass at 11:00 AM.

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