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Reverend James G. Balzer, of Sturgis, died at his home on Thursday, February 1, 2024, one day after his 85th birthday. He was cared for by his children during the last days of his life, and passed into Jesus’ arms with his family by his side.
James was born on January 31, 1939, to Alexander and Eva (Jacoby) Balzer in Unionville, Michigan.
He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. Jim and his three brothers grew up on the family farm, finding ample opportunity for mischief in between chores and sugar beet farming.
After attending St. Paul Lutheran School in Unionville, Jim attended boarding high school at Michigan Lutheran Seminary, in Saginaw. It was there that he met his best friend and future wife, Phyllis (Behnke), and the two of them enjoyed singing together in a traveling a cappella choir. Jim went on to attend Concordia College, River Forest, Illinois, receiving his undergraduate degree in Education and Music. Jim also played football for Concordia College, even though he called it sitting the bench for them. James and Phyllis married on July 16, 1961 at Trinity Lutheran Church, in Bay City. They raised their four children, Craig, Bryan, Pamela, and Amy, dedicating them to the Lord.
Jim’s faith led his path to become a teacher and a principal, at Trinity Lutheran in Conroy, Iowa, and then at Zion Lutheran, in Auburn, Michigan. In 1976, the family moved to Sturgis, for Jim to serve as Director of Christian Education, at Trinity Lutheran Church, with the intent of developing a school. The Preschool opened in 1978 and the Day School opened in 1979, with “Mr. Balzer” as its principal. In 1987, Jim received a Master’s degree in Education from Western Michigan University. He went on to serve at Redeemer in Saginaw. Instead of ‘taking it easy’ after the children were grown, Jim and Phyllis moved to Fort Wayne, so that Jim could fulfill his longing of becoming a Pastor. At the age of 58, Jim completed his Divinity degree, at Concordia Theological Seminary in 1997. He was then honored to minister the congregation of Emmanuel Lutheran Church, in Britton, Michigan for 10 years. In 2007, after 46 years of fulltime service, Jim “retired” back to the Sturgis area, yet still served the congregation of Salem Lutheran Church. Jim continued to preach regularly at Salem, until he suffered a life-altering stroke at the age of 83, in May of 2022.
After Phyllis’ passing in June of 2023, the last seven months of Jim’s life were filled with their challenges. While not an official determination perhaps, a broken heart was certainly a fundamental cause in his passing.
Jim loved music — he directed more school and church choirs than we can tally. He played guitar at school, VBS, and youth group. He was well known for his repertoire of dad jokes, much to his children’s dismay. And somehow, the husband who did not cook for most of his married life — managed it with ease when his wife battled cancer, proving you can teach an old dog a new trick.
Jim is survived by: his son Bryan (Gina) Balzer, of Blair, Nebraska, daughters Pamela (Brian) Reed, of Colon, and Amy Jo (Bill) Balzer-Pemberton, of Ypsilanti; daughter in law Sally Balzer, of Howe, Indiana, and former daughter in law Jo Ann Balzer, of Sturgis; four grandsons, Alex Balzer, Thomas Wrona, Cooper Wrona, and Liam Pemberton; one great grandson, Mikah Wrona; three step grandchildren, Brianne Moores, Austin Reed, and Maria Buscher; and four step great grandchildren. He is survived by his brother, John (Judy) Balzer, of Bay City, Michigan, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Phyllis, his parents, his brothers Al and Bob, and his son, Craig.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, on Friday, February 9th, at the Hackman Chapel of Hackman Family Funeral Homes, 114 S. Nottawa St. in Sturgis, and from 10:00 to 11:00 am, on Saturday, February 10th, at Trinity Lutheran Church, in Sturgis. Immediately following the Saturday visitation, funeral services celebrating the life of James Balzer will begin at 11:00 am. The Rev. Larry Matro will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Pastor Balzer’s memory consider Trinity Lutheran Church, 406 S. Lakeview Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091 or Worship Anew, 5 Martin Luther Dr., Fort Wayne, IN 46825.
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
