Former Mayor James Eugene “Jim” Yeazel died unexpectedly of a heart attack, at 9:30 p.m., Saturday, June 11, 2011, eight days before his 84th birthday, at his 917 West Washington Street home in Plymouth.
An enormously popular and respected man, his loss will be felt by many who laughed at his jokes and were cheered by his presence.
Jim was born in Plymouth on June 19, 1927, the son of Milo David and Cora Ellen (Green) Yeazel.
He lived his whole life in Plymouth except for the time spent in the Navy at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in World War II.
He graduated from Plymouth High School with the class of 1945. He was a member of Hi-Y and Yellow River Sea Scouts.
Music was important to Jim all of his life. At an early age Jim was an excellent musician, and by the age of six, he was playing the piano and entertaining the crowd at the Mayflower Tavern while his brother worked as a bartender. He then played with Dick Derf’s Band, singing, and playing bass and piano at various gigs for nearly 42 years. He was also with the Russ Steiner Quartet, The 3 Dimensions, The C Sharp Trio, and with Bob Richmond as The Two. Most recently he played with Doc Koontz. Jim was a man of great faith and shared his talent while singing with the choir at the First United Methodist Church where he was a member for the past 70 years.
Jim and Bonnie Lou Gardner first met at Franklin College in 1950 while Jim was visiting Plymouth friends. On their first date, he took Bonnie to the races at the New Paris Speedway. They were married at Bonnie’s home by Rev. Blake on March 23, 1951 and this year celebrated 60 memorable and loving years.
In 1991 he retired as a supervisor from the Bendix Corporation – Wheel and Brake Aerospace Division after 46 years of service. As a public servant in the 1960’s and for 16 years, Jim was a Justice of the Peace with an office in his home prior to the establishment of a municipal court system. In 2000, he was elected Democratic Mayor of Plymouth, serving until 2004. As mayor he engaged his constituents and fairly led all departments. On October 11, 2003 he was honored for his service by then Gov. Joe Kernan by being named a Sagamore of the Wabash, the highest honor a sitting governor can bestow on a citizen of Indiana.
Other civic involvments included being a member and past president of the Plymouth Arts Commission, many years as a board member for the Marshall County Blueberry Festival, former member of the American Legion Post 27 and current member of the V.F.W. Post 1162, Plymouth Optimist Club and Treasurer of the Marshall County Tourisim & Convention Bureau.
He also held fraternal membership in the Plymouth Kilwinning Lodge No. 149, having been past Worshipful Master, a member of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite – Valley of South Bend, and the Michigan City Orak Shrine. He also served as a Past Patron of Eastern Star.
Jim is survived by Bonnie, his devoted wife and by their children and grandchildren: a son, Jeffrey J. and Marsha Yeazel, Plymouth and their children; Sarah Yeazel, Jonathon Yeazel, Waylon (Amy) Budka and Asher Budka. A daughter, Lori E. and Jeffrey Mills, also of Plymouth and their children; Devin Taviner, Kenrick Mills, Cody (Aubrey) Mills and Deena (Donny) Osborn. Six great-grandchildren also survive along with two Boston Terriers who will also be missing their best buddy.
A brother, Dick Feltz, of Florida, survives as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, a son, David Ray Yeazel in 1988, three sisters: Bonnie Girten, Opal Doll, and Phyllis Jones, and three brothers: Roy, Russell and Robert Yeazel. Friends are invited to visit with Jim’s family on Wednesday, June 15, 2011, from 3 to 8 p.m. in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St. Plymouth. A Masonic Memorial Rite will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the funeral home.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 16, 2011 in the First United Methodist Church, 400 N. Michigan St., Plymouth where calling will continue after 10 a.m. The Revs. Larry Marhanka, pastor, and Matt Pickut, associate pastor, will officiate.
Military honors provided by members of the American Legion Post 27, V.F.W., D.A.V. and South Bend Honor Guard will follow in the Oakhill Cemetery.
Family and friends will then return to the church Fellowship Hall for a celebration of Jim’s life.
Preferred memorial gifts are requested to the First United Methodist Church.
Daniel Freeman says
To Jims Family
I am truly sorry for your loss, Jim will be dearly missed. I just started to get to know him, and the dinner partys wont be the same without him. He has left a little bit of himself in everyone that he meets, so he will never be fully gone. Sorry again and may God be with all of you during your recovery from your lose
From your part time neighbor
Daniel Freeman
Oliver Ford Lincoln says
What a great example Jim Yeazel has been to the team at Oliver Ford Lincoln…..a man of his words, a man of pure truth and honesty, a great leader in our community and a true heart of gold! We will truly miss Mr Yeazel and want to express our deepest sympathy to Bonnie, Jeff, David, Lori and their families at this difficult time. We always loved to see that van pull up …..because we knew that Jim would be coming in with a big smile and bringing is lovely wife with him! We love you all!
Your friends and family at Oliver Ford in Plymouth!
Jenny Payne says
Bonnie & family,
When I heard the news of Jim\’s passing I was deeply saddened. Jim had a way of making me laugh like no other. He held a very dear place in my heart and always will. I always enjoyed teaching Silver Sneakers and hoping he would be there to offer a funny observation or story.
Know that our family will be holding you up in prayer and thinking of you all with fond memories of Jim.
Jenny Payne
Mark Frushour says
Dear Bonnie, Jeff,& Lori,
My family and I are deeply sadden to hear of the loss of Jim. I always felt he was always happy to
see me. He will be missed. I never saw him sad, but maybe upset about somethings he felt with
such conviction. He seemed to me a man of great character. 60 years of marriage is a great milestone
and only one can hope to obtain. I am sure it takes both to achieve with love and understanding.
Our hearts and prayers with be with you.
Holli Pifer says
To the Yeazel Family,
I have had the honor of knowing most of you for a very long time. David at Ball State – oh what a time we had. Jeff and Lori when I came home to practice law 20 some years ago. Of course, mostly I have known you from living next door to Grandma Barcus. Jim will be greatly missed by her and her family.
I will mist Jim\’s smile and his always pressed look. His music was unbelieveable and he always had a story to tell. Jim has been a great asset to this town and community and we should all take lessons from his life.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you and though he will be greatly misses we are all better individuals for having Jim touch our lives.
Steve and Holli Pifer
Ken Shilt says
To Bonnie, Jeff, Dave, and Lori,
Just wanted to let you know how sorry I am to hear about your loss. It is never easy to accept the loss of someone special, but I know that you will all find yourself remembering individual things about your dad and husband, that will bring a smile to you. Cling to those memories and share them with each other. I know that Jim was very dedicated to his family and always made a point to support the family, whether it be at a sporting event or at a choir production. I know that he will be missed by those who knew him best but through the family and the many stories that will be shared about him, his memory and legacy will go on. Someone mentioned this when my dad passed away and it is so true: \”Tears are the price we pay for loving someone\”.
May God give you peace and comfort to your family.
Steve Bender says
Jeff,
What a great man your father was: genuine, honest, friendly, and one of the most extraordinary individuals I have ever known. I can?t express how difficult it was to hear the sad news that he is no longer with us.
I take great joy in having had the opportunity to meet Jim and to work with him on municipal projects when he served as Mayor. I had great admiration for his dedication, his depth of thinking, and his marvelous sense of humor. He will be deeply missed by many, both as a colleague and a friend.
Please extend my heartfelt condolences to your mother. I?m sure it will be a very sad and difficult time for you and your family. I hope it becomes easier as you find comfort in sharing your many fond memories of Jim and a life that was truly lived. I will miss him greatly.
Yours sincerely,
Steve
Joyce Osborn says
My prayers and thoughts are with you and the family at this sad time. He was a good man and seemed to enjoy life to the fullest, no matter what trials he was going through. He will be greatly missed by all.
Pam Bishop says
Dear Bonnie and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Sincerely,
Wayne and Pam Bishop
Penny Sommers Rowe, Nicholas and Deserra
Shirley and Dave Jones
Linda & David Zeider says
Bonnie & Family
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time. Jim was such a fine man and we know that you have many fond memories.
Larry and Linda Kinsey says
Bonnie our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We only meet Jim once at your sister Barbara\’s house, we feel we knew him well from the tales she would tell. What a full life he had. Barbs neighbors Larry and Linda Kinsey (Blackie the cats servants)
Wes and Sara Brookshire says
Dear Bonnie, Jeff and Lori,
Sara and I are saddened to hear about your loss. However, we also can\’t help but smile, when we think of Jim. What a Joy! and as you often said Bonnie, \”What a challenge!\”
We are thankful that you have faith in our Lord and Savior. His presence will hold you while you go through these seasons of greiving.
Love you guys,
Wes and Sara Brookshire
Mary Ann Underwood Summy says
With rememberance and condolences…
Daniel Freeman says
To Jims Family
I am truly sorry for your loss, Jim will be dearly missed. I just started to get to know him, and the dinner partys wont be the same without him. He has left a little bit of himself in everyone that he meets, so he will never be fully gone. Sorry again and may God be with all of you during your recovery from your lose
From your part time neighbor
Daniel Freeman
Oliver Ford Lincoln says
What a great example Jim Yeazel has been to the team at Oliver Ford Lincoln…..a man of his words, a man of pure truth and honesty, a great leader in our community and a true heart of gold! We will truly miss Mr Yeazel and want to express our deepest sympathy to Bonnie, Jeff, David, Lori and their families at this difficult time. We always loved to see that van pull up …..because we knew that Jim would be coming in with a big smile and bringing is lovely wife with him! We love you all!
Your friends and family at Oliver Ford in Plymouth!
Jenny Payne says
Bonnie & family,
When I heard the news of Jim\’s passing I was deeply saddened. Jim had a way of making me laugh like no other. He held a very dear place in my heart and always will. I always enjoyed teaching Silver Sneakers and hoping he would be there to offer a funny observation or story.
Know that our family will be holding you up in prayer and thinking of you all with fond memories of Jim.
Jenny Payne
Mark Frushour says
Dear Bonnie, Jeff,& Lori,
My family and I are deeply sadden to hear of the loss of Jim. I always felt he was always happy to
see me. He will be missed. I never saw him sad, but maybe upset about somethings he felt with
such conviction. He seemed to me a man of great character. 60 years of marriage is a great milestone
and only one can hope to obtain. I am sure it takes both to achieve with love and understanding.
Our hearts and prayers with be with you.
Holli Pifer says
To the Yeazel Family,
I have had the honor of knowing most of you for a very long time. David at Ball State – oh what a time we had. Jeff and Lori when I came home to practice law 20 some years ago. Of course, mostly I have known you from living next door to Grandma Barcus. Jim will be greatly missed by her and her family.
I will mist Jim\’s smile and his always pressed look. His music was unbelieveable and he always had a story to tell. Jim has been a great asset to this town and community and we should all take lessons from his life.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you and though he will be greatly misses we are all better individuals for having Jim touch our lives.
Steve and Holli Pifer
Ken Shilt says
To Bonnie, Jeff, Dave, and Lori,
Just wanted to let you know how sorry I am to hear about your loss. It is never easy to accept the loss of someone special, but I know that you will all find yourself remembering individual things about your dad and husband, that will bring a smile to you. Cling to those memories and share them with each other. I know that Jim was very dedicated to his family and always made a point to support the family, whether it be at a sporting event or at a choir production. I know that he will be missed by those who knew him best but through the family and the many stories that will be shared about him, his memory and legacy will go on. Someone mentioned this when my dad passed away and it is so true: \”Tears are the price we pay for loving someone\”.
May God give you peace and comfort to your family.
Steve Bender says
Jeff,
What a great man your father was: genuine, honest, friendly, and one of the most extraordinary individuals I have ever known. I can?t express how difficult it was to hear the sad news that he is no longer with us.
I take great joy in having had the opportunity to meet Jim and to work with him on municipal projects when he served as Mayor. I had great admiration for his dedication, his depth of thinking, and his marvelous sense of humor. He will be deeply missed by many, both as a colleague and a friend.
Please extend my heartfelt condolences to your mother. I?m sure it will be a very sad and difficult time for you and your family. I hope it becomes easier as you find comfort in sharing your many fond memories of Jim and a life that was truly lived. I will miss him greatly.
Yours sincerely,
Steve
Joyce Osborn says
My prayers and thoughts are with you and the family at this sad time. He was a good man and seemed to enjoy life to the fullest, no matter what trials he was going through. He will be greatly missed by all.
Pam Bishop says
Dear Bonnie and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Sincerely,
Wayne and Pam Bishop
Penny Sommers Rowe, Nicholas and Deserra
Shirley and Dave Jones
Linda & David Zeider says
Bonnie & Family
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this most difficult time. Jim was such a fine man and we know that you have many fond memories.
Larry and Linda Kinsey says
Bonnie our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We only meet Jim once at your sister Barbara\’s house, we feel we knew him well from the tales she would tell. What a full life he had. Barbs neighbors Larry and Linda Kinsey (Blackie the cats servants)
Wes and Sara Brookshire says
Dear Bonnie, Jeff and Lori,
Sara and I are saddened to hear about your loss. However, we also can\’t help but smile, when we think of Jim. What a Joy! and as you often said Bonnie, \”What a challenge!\”
We are thankful that you have faith in our Lord and Savior. His presence will hold you while you go through these seasons of greiving.
Love you guys,
Wes and Sara Brookshire
Mary Ann Underwood Summy says
With rememberance and condolences…