James "Jim" Owen Rachwitz

James Owen Rachwitz entered the nearer presence of his Lord on February 16, 2025, at the age of 84. He faithfully awaits the hope of resurrection proclaimed in the Holy Scripture.

 Jim was born on August 19, 1940, as the elder of two children to William and Helen Rachwitz. In 1958, Jim met the love of his life, Diane Schatzer, and they were married on May 26, 1962. From this union, two children were born. Jim and Diane led an active life, traveling extensively in the U.S. and abroad. Jim was a devoted father and never missed an opportunity to spend time with his family even with a busy career as a banking executive, church volunteer and devotion to children with special needs through his service with the Civitan organization for over 55 years. Jim was known for his stories, historical knowledge, love of trains and sense of humor. He never met a stranger. Jim told dad jokes before they became cool! He was a faithful member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bay City.

Immediate family members left to cherish his memory include his son Brian Rachwitz and his wife Melissa; daughter Kim Anderson and her husband Jay; grandsons Seth Rachwitz and his wife Allie, Joel Rachwitz and his wife Emily; and two great-grandchildren, Jack and Aiden Rachwitz, sister Deana (Rachwitz) Leinberger and her husband Tom and their children Brad and Zach Leinberger and their families. He will be missed by many other family members and friends who he held near and dear in his heart. Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife and soulmate, Diane, in November 2024. 

 A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 21, 2025, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 6100 Westside Saginaw Road, Bay City, MI 48706. Visitation will be held at the church fellowship area at 9:30 a.m. prior to the service. A lunch reception will follow in the fellowship hall.

 For those who wish to visit the family home, an open house will be held at Jim and Diane’s home at 5247 . Crestway Drive from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the evening of Friday, February 21. Heavy appetizers and refreshments will be served.

 Memorial gifts may be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church at the address above and marked for The Ministry Center. 

The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to all the medical staff, friends and family who supported Jim during his short illness over a couple of weeks.