James (Jim) Harold Rabbers received his crown of heavenly glory on Monday October 11 2021 at 8:55 AM after several years of health complications due to the leukemia that he had overcome. He was 65 years old. He was a lifelong resident of Michigan being born in Kalamazoo and laying down roots with his family in Stevensville. He went to high school at Lakeshore High School in Stevensville where he enjoyed playing baseball and engaging in as much social interaction as he could muster. After taking some time off of school and living on his own for a while Jim went to Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo Michigan. While at college he participated and officiated many intramural sports, all along the way making strong and lasting friendships with the people he came across. Unable to find suitable teaching positions after college, Jim was introduced to selling insurance by a friend of his. The aspect of building relationships with people and earning their trust played right to Jim’s strengths. He would go on to work for several insurance agencies including Metropolitan Life, Countryside, and Aid Association for Lutherans (which later became Thrivent). Jim met his wife Mary through playing volleyball and softball at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stevensville. Mary had just arrived at St. Paul’s as a new teacher. Their mutual love of sports and competitive nature quickly took hold and they were married in August of 1986. They would be blessed with four children: Derek Rabbers (Claire), Chelsea Rabbers, Megan Spaude (Jason), and Travis Rabbers. They would also be blessed with three grandchildren: Wesley, Jay, and Samuel Rabbers. Jim was an avid sports fan able to hold conversation and know statistics and figures on a myriad of athletes and games including his beloved University of Michigan Wolverines. He greatly enjoyed playing baseball, volleyball, table tennis, and many other sports. He and his family garnered many memories on family trips across the country. He had a great love and appreciation for this country. His true gift and pastime was engaging with people and truly knowing and showing care for them. He was generous to a fault especially when it came to the church and education. He is survived by his wife, four children, daughter and son in law, three grandchildren, his brothers Thom(Rhonda) Rabbers and Dan (Diana) Rabbers , his sisters Susan (Robert) Vandervliet and Jodi Rabbers, as well as many extended family members. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at 11AM, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 2673 W. John Beers Rd., Stevensville. Burial will take place at Hickory Bluff Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, October 16, 2021, from 9am until the time of the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 2673 W. John Beers Rd., Stevensville or Michigan Lutheran High School, 615 E. Marquette Woods Rd., St. Joseph. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 269-556-9450.