James F. Steinke

James F. Steinke, 96, of St. Joseph, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 23, 2016 at his home under Hospice care with family at his side.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:30 A.M. Thursday, December 29, 2016 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Rev. Dr. Chris Noffke officiating. Military Rites will be conducted by the North Berrien Military Rites Team at the conclusion of the funeral service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery, St. Joseph. Friends may visit with the family from 9:30 until 11:30 A.M. Thursday at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jim’s name may be made to Caring Circle Hospice or Zion United Church of Christ in Baroda.  Those wishing to sign Jim’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com  Jim was born July 26, 1920 in Chicago, Illinois to Gustav & Ruth (Rutkoskie) Steinke. He graduated from St. Joseph High School, Class of 1938 and went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University where he met Bette Jane “BJ” Meiser, his wife of 50 years.  Jim served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II.  He and his family lived in the Detroit area for many years where he worked in advertising sales for Sunset Magazine for twenty years, retiring in 1985.  After retirement, he and BJ moved to St. Joseph to enjoy the benefits of Southwest Michigan.  Jim was an avid golfer and long-time member of Berrien Hills Country Club.  He was a fan of Michigan State sports and the Detroit Tigers, Lions & Red Wings.  Jim was a very out-going person who enjoyed visiting friends and making new ones.  He cherished the time spent with his family.   Jim is survived by three sons-James Steinke, Jr., Paul (Kaye) Steinke, Charles (Karen) Steinke; four grandchildren-Laura (James) Wand, Justin (Keenan) Steinke, Joel Steinke & Josh Steinke; five great-grandchildren-Zachary & Alexander Wand, Sawyer, Finley & Landyn Steinke; his sister Carolyn Ziemer, sister-in-law Ruth Steinke, both of St. Joseph; several nieces & nephews; and special friend Betsy Cervinka. He was preceded in death by his wife BJ on November 3, 1995, and by siblings John “Bill” Steinke, Agnes Steinke & Cathryn Steinke.