James Dahlke, 69, of St. Joseph, passed away, Tuesday, May 05, 2020 at his home.
Due to the Covid-19 precautions, private family services & burial will be held, with a public Celebration of Life Service to be announced at a later date. Memorial donations in Jim’s name may be made to Berrien County Baptist Church in Stevensville. Those wishing to sign Jim’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Jim was born March 28, 1951 in St. Joseph to Paul & Helen (Peppel) Dahlke. He graduated from St. Joseph High School, Class of 1969, and went on to earn an Associates Degree from Lake Michigan College. On July 3, 1971, he married his high school sweetheart, Debra Brizendine in St. Joseph. Jim was employed at Whirlpool Corp as a tool & die maker from 1968 until 1989. In 1989, he decided to pursue his hobby as a beekeeper in a full-time manner and Jim founded J. D.’s Honey Headquarters, which he was currently operating with over 1500 hives. Jim was a member of Michigan Beekeepers Association and Berrien County Baptist Church. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed hunting trips with his family & friends. Just this past fall took a record 18-point buck. In his free time, Jim cherished the time spent with his daughters & grandsons.
Jim is survived by his wife Debra; two daughters-Beth (Jeremy) Dahlke-Kiens of Chicago, Andrea Dahlke of St. Joseph; two grandsons-Isaac & Ezra Dahlke; his sister Carol Summers of Tucson, AZ; his brother Ronald (Donna) Dahlke of Benton Harbor; brother & sisters-in-law Al “Doc” (Deborah) Brizendine of Red Oak, TX & Kim Brizendine of Milwaukee, WI; and several nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother-in-law Jim Brizendine.