James John Rybarczyk, 70, of Coloma, better known as Jim, Jimmy, Dad, or Papa, passed away unexpectedly, Friday, June 4, 2021 at his home away from home on Rush Lake in Hartford.

Services celebrating his life will be held 2:00 P.M. Thursday, June 10 at Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home where the family will begin receiving friends starting at 12 noon.  Cremation will take place following the service.  Donations in memory of Jim may be made to the Coloma SAL Post 362 of which he was a member.  Those wishing to leave an online message of remembrance may do so by using the "Guestbook" link located on this page.

The world became a different place when Jim's life started on January 26, 1951 when he was born to Adam "Bud" and Stephanie (Stempniak) Rybarczyk in Chicago.  After graduating from Holy Trinity High School in Chicago he went on to further obtain more knowledge at Southern Illinois University to be able to say "I told you so", because let's face it, he was always right......at least in his mind.

Currently retired, Jim was formerly employed by Silgan in Coloma, Blossomland Containers, and Watervliet Paper Mill.  He was also a firefighter with the North Berrien Fire Department for over 20 years.  Jim was a former member of the Coloma Lions Club and Coloma Rod and Gun Club.  In addition to farming he enjoyed hunting and fishing in his free time.

Survivors include his beautiful, superwoman, wife Tonda (Atherton) whom he married Sept. 23, 1978; their three stooges, Jill (Benjamin Hawkins) Rybarczyk, Jacqui (Stan) Zurwalski, and Jennifer (Levi) Warren.  Also surviving are five of the most spoiled grandchildren ever, Brooklyn, Nathan, Haylee, Mollie, and Leeland; sisters Suzanne Canty, and Theresa "Turk" (James) Bean; son in law Rob Retz; last surviving aunt Bernice Krolczyk; canine companion Abby, and many other relatives and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his Bud and Dad Adam and his Ma Stephanie.