James Wilber Ewald

James Wilber Ewald, age 88, of Unionville, passed away with his family by his side on December 14, 2024, following a period of declining health, at the Tuscola County Medical Care Community.

Jim was born at home in Unionville on December 17, 1935, to Loren and Grace (Rhodes) Ewald. He was baptized into Christ as an infant and was confirmed in 1951 at St. Paul Lutheran Church. He attended St. Paul Lutheran School thru the eighth grade and graduated from Unionville High School in 1954. He was an avid athlete throughout grade school and high school, earning many medals and awards, including a college scholarship to Olivet College for both basketball and track.

Jim was united in marriage to Edith E. Schuch on August 6, 1955, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Unionville and has lived his entire life in Unionville, and together they had eight children. He enjoyed his family and was often seen attending his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren's sporting events. Family meant everything to him. On February 18, 2024, Jim lost the love of his life, his wife, Edith, after 68 years of marriage. He and Edith enjoyed traveling and the many friends they met along the way.

Jim was a farmer for Ewald Farms and also was a trucker for Ewald Trucking, hauling cattle and telephone reels and poles for Michigan Bell. He was involved in Farm Bureau and the Michigan Milk Producers Association. He went to work at an early age, while also continuing with his schooling and sports. Jim was very active in his community, serving on many boards at St. Paul Lutheran Church and many school boards throughout Tuscola County and St. Paul Lutheran School, Unionville-Sebewaing Area High School and Tuscola County Intermediate District. Education was very important to him and always sought ways to improve the education system.

Surviving are his eight children and their spouses: Joanne (David) Hills of Fairgrove, Cindy (Bernard) Coppolino of Saginaw, Christine (Kenneth) Moore of Saginaw, Mark (Linnaea) Ewald of Unionville, Lynn (Lynda) Ewald of Unionville, Jamie (LizBeth) Ewald of Midland, Jody (Dale) Smith of Sanford and Kyle (Tracy) Ewald of Hemlock; 19 grandchildren: Nicole & Wayne, Tracey & Jason, Tara & Brian, Laura & Edward, Joseph, Michael, Kenneth, Jr. & Isabel, Kevin & Alyssa, Samantha & fiance' Mike, Stacie, Nathan & Amanda, Chelsey & Seth, Ashley, Haley, Hayden & Lauren, Dustin & Missy, Courtney & Robert, Cody & Natalie, and Kennedy; 24 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

James was preceded in death by his wife, Edith; his parents; his in-laws, Frank and Elizabeth Schuch; and brother, Duane Ewald.

Visitation will be Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at Juengel & Mellendorf Funeral Home, Inc. in Sebewaing from 4pm-8pm.

The funeral service will be Thursday, December 19, 2024, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Unionville. Visitation will begin at the church at 10am until the time of service at 11am. Pastor Steven Stolarczyk will be officiating. Burial will be at Demorest Cemetery in Akron Township.

Much thanks to Tuscola County Medical Care Community for their love and care of our dad during his last few years. There are many who cared for him, but he had a special bond with Abby.

Memorial donations may be given to St. Paul Lutheran Church.