On December 12th, 2024, James (Jim) Stites passed peacefully in his sleep after his long battle against multiple sclerosis and cancer. Jim was born in March 1958 to Robert Stites and Lois Knipp Stites. As a lifelong resident of Napoleon, he graduated from Napoleon High School in 1976. After graduation, he served for a short time in the Navy.
Upon his return, Jim met Valorie (Val). They spent 41 wonderful years together and went on to have three children, Alexander (Alex, married to Kelsie Gerardi), Emily, and Robert (Bobby), and one granddaughter, Harper.
Jim found joy coaching his sons’ baseball teams, chauffeuring his kids to their many activities, hanging out with friends, watching Detroit sports, and going out to eat. In 2019, after 36 years of tenure at Campbell’s Soup Company (Silgan Containers), Jim retired and spent his time painting, playing pool, and watching the Michigan Wolverines.
Jim was predeceased by Robert and Lois. He is survived by his sister Kay (married to Jeff Bunke).
Visitation will be held at Rodenberger-Gray Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 17th from 3-7 PM. A celebration of Jim’s life will take place on Wednesday, December 18th at 11, with viewing starting one hour before the service.
In lieu of flowers, his family has asked that donations be contributed to the University of Michigan in memory of Jim Stites allocated to the Jim Stites Memorial Gift to honor his memory as a life-long Wolverines fan.
Donations can also be mailed to:
The University of Michigan, Gift and Records
3003 S State St., Suite 8000
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1288
All memorial gifts in Jim's honor will support The President's Fund ‑ 419049 in support of University of Michigan.
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