James William Jazwinski

James Jazwinski, age 89, died peacefully on June 3, 2024. Known fondly as Jim, Jaz, Double J, and Clipper, he was a one-of-a-kind husband, dad, grandpa, uncle, brother, and friend who worked hard, played hard, and shared many laughs along the way. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he was a graduate of Catholic Central High School (1953) and served in the infantry division of the Marine Corps (1957-1962). He went on to barber school and launched a dedicated 52-year career, becoming an entrepreneur of the iconic Ball Park Barbershop, where he fulfilled his inner spirit by making customers “look beautiful,” telling jokes, sharing truthful opinions, and debating with his unedited political views. He was married to his wife Sonya and together raised three children. They were at their best on the dance floor, creating lots of smiles as they twirled around to their favorite swing music. They enjoyed many years of family time at Wabasis Lake, where countless fish lost their battle to Jim, who made it his quest to find the hot spots and put multiple poles in the water. Nights were spent playing cribbage and drinking a cold one. An avid golfer who fell in love with the game as a caddy in eighth grade, he achieved two holes-in-one and played weekly in a Lincoln Country Club league with his son, Jim, and best Westside friends. He hit balls daily at John Ball Park with his dog Shadow, a stray he brought home from a golf scramble one Sunday. He was always working on his golf swing, and, like it or not, you received a lesson if you played with him. A true Westsider, born and raised, Jaz frequented Polish halls, spending time at the Polish Falcons during his prime years, where he was a lifetime member. Paczki Day was a tradition in the Jazwinski household, and he loved his perfectly cooked kielbasa. He was the silly grandpa and crazy uncle who was always pulling pranks on the kids. He had too many goofy tchotchkes to keep track of, but he enjoyed every one of them as he lived out his favorite pastime of making people laugh. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Jenny (Mikulski) Jazwinski, sister Doris (Ed) Sruba, brother Don Jazwinski and his wife Dee, brother Bob Jazwinski and his wife Trudy, daughter Colleen Lipski, and son-in-law Dave Lipski. Jim will be remembered by his wife of 62 years, Sonya Jazwinski, son James (Elizabeth) Jazwinski, daughter Alicia (Michael) Pavona, grandchildren David Lipski, Drew (Emily) Lipski, Aaron Lipski, Gloria Pavona, Chloe Jazwinski, Colin Jazwinski, five great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. They are grateful for the compassionate care received from the support teams at Medilodge of Wyoming and Hospice of Michigan. The family will receive visitors Tuesday June 11 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Mortuary, 3525 Remembrance Rd. NW. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday June 12 at 11:00 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, where he will repose one hour prior.

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James William Jazwinski

May 2, 1935 - June 3, 2024