James Brennan Mcquillan

James Brennan McQuillan, 72, of St. Joseph passed away Wednesday morning December 5th, 2001 at Lakeland Hospital-St. Joseph. Jim was born November 23rdd, 1929 in Detroit, Michigan the son of Edmund and Helen McQuillan. He was raised in Jackson, Michigan where he graduated from St. Johns High School. He continued his education at the University of Michigan where he received his BA in 1951 and his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School in 1954. Jim served his country with honor in both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army. Jim moved to St. Joseph in 1956 and practiced law in the twin Cities for 45 years with the Law Firm of Ryan, McQuillan and VanderPloeg. He finished his career with the firm of Butzbaugh and Dewane. During his career, his good friend and loyal secretary of 28 years, Doris Hickman, assisted Jim. He was past president of the Berrien County Bar Association, past President of Berrien Hills Country Club, and past President of the Lake Michigan Catholic School Board. Jim was also a co-founder of the Twin Cities Area Catholic School Board. Jim was also a co-founder of the Twin Cities Area Catholic School Fund. Jim loved to play golf particularly with his children. He was also fond of hot summer nights and the sound of Ernie Harwell describing the follies of his favorite Detroit Tigers. Jim is survived by his wife of 43 years, Anne Davidson McQuillan, his three sons, Douglas McQuillan (Christine), Dr. Daniel McQuillan (Charlene), John McQuillan (Carolyn), his two daughters Helen DiStefano (Gerard) and Mary McQuillan. He had 10 beloved Grandchildren, Megan, Brendan, Kathlyn, Bridget, Jim, Mary Helen, Eileen, Katelyn, and Maura McQuillan and Anne Therese DiStefano. Jim is also survived by his brother Dr. Patrick McQuillan of Joliet, IL, Monica Manser and Jane McQuillan of Jackson, Michigan along with 54 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Mary Helen Yocum, and two brothers Edmund and Thomas McQuillan. The family will receive friends on Friday from 3pm to 9pm at the Starks and Menchinger Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd. St. Joseph, where a vigil service will be held at 7:30pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30am Saturday at St. Bernards Catholic Church in Benton Harbor. Burial will be at Riverview Cemetery with military rites. Memorial contributions may be made to the Twin Cities Area Catholic School Fund Scholarship Fund, 220 church St. St. Joseph, Michigan 49085.