James “Jim” Vincent Tew, 82 of Hopkins, died Monday, Nov. 28, after a valiant fight against leukemia.
Born in Battle Creek on March 15, 1940, he was the son of the late Shirley Vincent and Opal Lucinda (Varin) Tew. Jim grew up in Bellevue, and graduated from Bellevue High School in 1958. He enjoyed playing all sports, especially baseball, both vocal and instrumental music, and hunting and fishing, which he pursued for many years.
Jim took his basic training in San Antonio, Texas, for the Air National Guard and fulfilled his six-year commitment during a more peaceful time. After the service, he attended Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek and graduated from Western Michigan University in 1966 with a degree in mechanical engineering. Primary employment commitments were at Engineering Castings Inc., Marshall; Rockwell International, Allegan, and Bosch Corporation, St. Joseph. He retired in 2002.
Jim married Bertha M. Bayha, on Dec. 5, 1964, and together were blessed with three children.
People always felt comfortable around Jim, probably because he had a wonderful knack of making them feel special and that what they said mattered. His quick wit and great sense of humor made him fun to be around and making things “fun” and helping others, especially family members, was a special gift he nurtured.
Being creative, Jim created events like the “Tew Olympics” which was enjoyed by family and friends all summer. Even though he battled leukemia, Jim did all in his power to remain positive and live out his life with love and joy.
Also surviving are his children: James and Wendy Tew of Hopkins, Jennifer and Liam Salisbury of Plainwell, and Jonathan and Debra Tew of Hopkins; grandchildren and great-grandchildren James, Jessica (Ridge), Jordan, Megan (Jeff), Kelsey (Joe), Allie, Anthony, Nathan, Joshua, Kamdyn, Graysen, Korrah, Rylynn and Theo; and his sister, Sharon Coltson.
Preceding him in death were a brother, Albert; sister, Ellen; and granddaughter, Emilee.
A memorial visitation for Jim will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27, at the United Methodist Hall on Maple Street in Hopkins. The family invites all to come and share memories and stories of Jim.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.
