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NEGAUNEE -- James "Jim" Hafeman of Negaunee, passed away peacefully at the age of 72 on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
He was born on November 3, 1953 at St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba, MI. Jim attended the Gwinn Public School System and graduated from high school in 1971. He entered the U.S. Marine Corp and served honorably from 1971-1975.
During the next few years, Jim attended college while working as a radio DJ - spinning the "vintage" vinyl to gool ole Rock n' Roll and other fun, toe-tapping musical tunes. Jim's DJ experience became a fun hobby for him in which he later provided musical entertainment at special social events.
In 1974, he met his future wife, Gretchen Pach, and they were married on August 6, 1983 in Iron Mountain, MI.
During the 1980s, Jim achieved professional training and education in law enforcement and served for ten years as a police officer with the Negaunee Police Department and two years with the Forsyth Township Police Department in Gwinn, MI.
He enhanced his education by obtaining a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI. Jim taught criminal justice for several years at two community college systems - Colby Community College in Colby, Kansas and Bay College in Escanaba, MI. His last professional teaching assignment for criminal justice was serving as an adjunct professor at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI. During the past 25 years, Jim worked as an officer for the GSSC Security Firm in which he also taught MSHA occupational safety courses for new employees.
Jim was a member of various community organizations, and he was also a dedicated advocate for our military veterans.
He enjoyed many activities which included traveling with his wife Gretchen and playing golf, gathering with family and friends, attending various social events in which he was an occasional master of ceremony host and speaker, grilling tasty meals, having friendly discussions about current affairs; and of course, cheering on his "Green and Gold" Packers.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Clarice Hafeman; two sisters-in-law, Jan and Cheryl Hafeman; father and mother-in-law, Joe and Marge Pach; and brother-in-law, Joe Pach.
He is survived by his wife for 43 years, Gretchen; along with his three brothers, Bill (friend, Naomi), John, and Larry (Kathy) Hafeman. Extended family members are Diane Pach, and Tim and Sue Pach along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Jim enjoyed life and embraced the opportunities and experiences it offered. He had a knack to "lend an ear", and offer a helping hand to others. He strongly embraced his faith with a dedicated belief in GOD and Jesus Christ. It was important to him. "Fear not for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name. You are Mine". (Isaiah 43:1).
Jim was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Ishpeming, MI. A very special thank you to Rev. Larry Van Damme for his kind spiritual care and guidance. "Eye has not seen nor ear has heard...what GOD has prepared for those who love HIM".
Services to celebrate Jim's life will take place on Monday, October 12th at the Crawford Funeral Chapel, 1236 Old Hwy 2 & 41, Bark River. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. The Bark River Legion and the Marine Funeral Honor Guard will conduct military honors at 11:45 a.m. The funeral service for Jim will follow at noon with Rev. Rick Courier officiating. (All times Eastern) A luncheon will follow at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church.
"Return to rest, O my soul, for the LORD has been good to you". (Psalm 116:7)
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) by visiting www.dav.org or St. Vincent de Paul Society in the community that you choose.
Sincere gratitude to the UPHA and Bellin Healthcare Systems for their care for Jim in his final days.
A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The arrangements are in the care of the Crawford Funeral Homes.
