James Lester Koebel

James Lester Koebel, 67, of Baroda, passed away Monday, April 29, 2013. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, May 6, 2013 at Stevensville United Methodist Church, 5506 Ridge Road, Stevensville with Rev. Gordon Barry officiating. Burial will be at Spring Run Cemetery, St. Joseph. There will be military rites at the church. Friends may visit from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 5, 2013 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to the Stevensville American Legion Post #568 or Stevensville United Methodist Church. Those wishing to sign Jim’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Jim was born on November 5, 1945 in St. Joseph, Michigan to James & Lorraine (Ott) Koebel. On September 18, 1965 he married Diane Green at Hinchman United Methodist Church in Berrien Springs. Jim was a self-employed barber at Aire-Wae Barbers in St. Joseph for over 40 years. It is here where he stood side by side with his “sidekick” Jerry, who was like a brother to Jim. In his spare time he liked hunting, doing yard work and spending time with his family. The highlight of his life was the time he spent with his grandkids. They truly loved being with “Pops.” He also enjoyed spending time with his Uncle Ben and his family. Jim is a Veteran of the United States Army, serving in the 3rd Armored Division. He spent most of his time serving in Frankfort, Germany. He remained in touch with many of his comrades to date. He is a member of the Stevensville American Legion and was a member of the Berrien County Sheriff Posse. He knew and was loved by everyone and will be truly missed by all. Jim is survived by his mother Lorraine (Myron “Shorty”) Brunke; his wife of 48 years and high school sweetheart, Diane; daughter Jill (Robert) Ludwick of Granger, Indiana; son William Koebel (Toni Tarantino) of Stevensville; three grandchildren Robert “Beau” Ludwick, Gabrielle Koebel and Michael Koebel; brother Richard (Nancy) Koebel of Baroda; and sisters Carol (Ed) Adams of Berrien Springs, Lori Phillips of Stevensville and Judy (Rich) Kubsch of Berrien Springs. Jim had many nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles that he thought the world of. Jim was preceded in death by his father James Koebel and brother William Koebel.