James "Jim" Visnaw

James Charles Visnaw passed away March 4, 2025, at the age of 83, at his home in Mancelona, Michigan. Jim was born on October 20, 1941, in Bay City, Michigan, the son of the late Leon and Mary Ann (Charlebois) Visnaw.

Upon graduation from TL Handy High School, he enlisted in the United State Navy for four years. He was a master welder, which was a trade that he and his two brothers learned from their father. When he returned to the states, Jim was employed by a number of companies during his career as a welder.

Jim lived in Northern Michigan most of his life. He and his partner Carol raised horses on property they owned in Kalkaska for many years. They went on many back country trail rides with friends. 

“Jimmy” - as he was called by his siblings - is survived by his sisters, Donna M. Visnaw and Marcia L. Visnaw Weaver; his niece, Julie (Daniel) Winningham; nephews Christopher and Steven Weaver; a great-nephew, Quentin Winningham; great-nieces, Cheyanne and Joslynn Weaver; his sister-in-law, Deborah Visnaw; step-nephew, Nathan Oswald; step-niece, Renae Meriwether; and a special friend, Tina Johnston, who spent the past year caring for Jim through his illness at home.

Jim was preceded in death by his partner, Carol Ann Smith; sisters, Marilyn Ann and Jeanne A. Visnaw; brothers, Thomas and John Visnaw; a nephew, Victor Visnaw and his mother, Sharon Richardson.

Jim did not want a funeral and wished to be cremated with his ashes spread in a private area up north.

The family wishes to thank Hospice of Michigan for their excellent care of Jim for the past two and a half months. Special thanks to all the nurses and aides, especially Amy, Robin, and Samantha.

Those considering a memorial donation, please consider Hospice of Michigan, 830 S. Otsego Ave., Gaylord, MI 49735.

Arrangements are in the care of the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com