James “Jim” Pfister

James “Jim” Pfister, age 90, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully Friday, January 13, 2023. He was born on June 12, 1932, son of the late Herman and Regina Pfister.
Jim is survived by his wife of 21 years, Dorothy (Dibean); sister Andrea Wellman of Oregon, Ohio; daughter Karen (Charles) Osborne of Potterville, stepson Sean (Susan) Corbin of Byron Center; grandchildren Erika (Ralph) Reagan of Dewitt, Sara (Nic) Fowler of Eaton Rapids, Cecilia (Justice) Price of Grand Rapids and Sam (Taylor) Corbin of Grand Rapids; great grandchildren Audrey, Mason, Max and Nora Reagan, and Melanie, Keira, and Shane Fowler, along with many extended family members. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his dear wife Margaret (Connor), daughter Deborah Pfister, grandson Chad Osborne, sister Nancy Jakubiak, and countless other loved ones, including his beloved Black Labrador, Mindy.
As a child, Jim moved to Detroit from Ohio and had fond memories of taking the train downtown to work. After high school he attended Wayne State University for a solitary semester, deciding that college just wasn’t for him. Throughout his life, he enjoyed snowmobiling, horseback riding, boating, hunting, and fly-fishing. Jim was drafted into the United States Army from 1952 to 1954 and was stationed in Germany where he competed in downhill skiing for the Army. Following his service, Jim made a career in sales. He owned Sportland Inc., which was located in the Knapps Capital Avenue Department Store, later he managed the Lansing Mall Knapps. He was charismatic and friendly to everyone that he encountered. If you had a minute to spare, he would regale you with many a story or two. After retiring from sales, he went to work for John E. Green Company in Lansing as a truck driver and expeditor, delivering parts and equipment to jobsites. He was a loved member of every team he was a part of.
In 1963, Jim married Margaret (d. 1994) and became a devoted father to Deborah and Karen. After living in Lansing, they moved their family to the farm in Potterville. It was there, where he would reside for 50+ years. The farm was Jim’s pride and joy. It was a place filled with wonderful memories and moments that are cherished still to this day by the entire family. In 2001, Jim married Dorothy. Together they enjoyed traveling with their RV to destinations all around the US and on their anniversary every year they would road trip up north to the Silent Sport Lodge B&B. During Jim’s final years, Dorothy was a devoted partner and caretaker, her love of her husband apparent to all.
From early on in his life, Jim was an avid outdoorsman. As a collector of firearms, Jim was well-versed in shooting sports. He was a member of the Capital Area Sportsmen’s League in Lansing and if he wasn’t at home, you knew you could find him at the “club,” enjoying a round of sporting clays, or having a cup of coffee with his friends while telling many of his famed stories.
The family is in the care of Mills Funeral Home in Eaton Rapids. There will be a private service.
There will also be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 20, 2023, from 2-5 p.m. to honor Jim. The celebration will be held at Tony M’s Restaurant at 3420 S. Creyts Rd., Lansing, Michigan 48917.
Jim was a special man and will be missed by all who knew him. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Capital Area Sportsmen’s League in Jim’s memory (www.micasl.org).