James Dale Lorenz, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at Shelby Hospital, at the age of 88.  His family surrounded him that day, sharing love and stories that brought a warm smile to everyone's face. Jim was born at Shelby Hospital on April 2, 1936, just a few minutes after midnight. He was the youngest of three children of Rudolph and Kathern (Jackson) Lorenz, and the only one born in a hospital.  Jim grew up in Whitehall and graduated from Whitehall Schools, where he became Whitehall's first 12-varsity letter earning athlete, graduating in 1954. After a basketball game during his senior year, he met the love-of-his-life, Montague girl, Beverly Reschetz. In 1955, one year after graduating high school, he crossed the river to move to Montague when he married Beverly. Jim and Bev celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary this year.

When Jim was 23 years old, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He is very proud to have served his country and considers it an honor to have been a member of the U.S. Army. Jim's oldest daughter, Melissa, was born in Germany while Jim was stationed there. After serving in the Army and returning home, Jim and Bev had two more girls, Hilary and Heather. Jim couldn't be prouder of his daughters, who were all raised in the house that he & Bev built next to her parents, Bill and Frances Kroll. Jim loved his girls so much and was always there when they needed him.

Jim began his career with the U.S. Postal Service after leaving a good job at the Whitehall Tannery. He also moonlighted as a mason on many homes around the Muskegon County Area while attending college at Muskegon Business College.  Jim's career with the postal service included working in Montague, Muskegon and Fremont, before returning to Montague as the Postmaster in 1985 where he stayed until retiring in 1999, after 33 years with the US Postal Service. He loved serving the community. After a couple of years, he decided to go back to work part time at the New Era Post Office, where he stayed until he was 76 years old and decided to retire again. Besides being with his family, some of Jim's favorite things in retirement included golfing, visiting friends at the Montague Senior Center & Whitehall American Legion, fishing, going to the casino with Bev, spending time in South Carolina, going on cruises, spending time in the U.P.  and being the proud Papa of his grandchildren Ashley and Brady! He was a loyal, dedicated, loving person to his family and community. His smile lit up a room, his laugh contagious and his ability to make things better was truly a gift. His sense of humor and storytelling were unmatched, and his stories are treasures we will carry with us forever. Jim was inducted into the Whitehall High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2018, which he was so proud of, was a member of the American Legion Algot Johnson Post 69, and was a lifetime honoree of the Harvey Houston Golf League at Old Channel Trail Golf Course and a member of Montague United Methodist Church.

Jim passed away while his family was with him, as he was always there for his family.  He will always be deeply missed, and loved by his wife Beverly; daughters, Melissa (Bill Ditty) Lorenz, Hilary Lorenz, and Heather (Curtiss Babcock - Jim's best friend) Lorenz-Babcock; and the brightest lights of his life, his grandchildren, Ashley (Ryan) Gannon and Brady Babcock; Jim received one more surprise this fall by meeting his new great-granddaughter, Scottie James Gannon, who he loved instantly. Jim is also survived by special nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by: his parents; his loving in-laws; his sister, Alyce Morgan; brother-in-law, Howard Morgan; brother, "Randy" Lorenz; and very special nephew, "Little Randy" Lorenz.

The Celebration of Jim will be conducted at 12:00 PM, Monday, December 2, 2024, at White Lake United Methodist Church, 8555 Cook Street, Montague, MI 49437, with visitation at 11:00 AM until time of service. A graveside service will follow the service in Oak Grove Cemetery, in Montague, and the family invites you for a time of food and fellowship at the Whitehall American Legion Algot Johnson Post 69, 803 E Colby St, Whitehall, MI 49461, concluding all services.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Whitehall American Legion Post 69 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com