James E. Hoffman

James E. Hoffman, age 90, of Battle Creek, passed away on Thursday, January 30, 2025. James was born on March 28, 1934, to Hazel and Edwin Hoffman in Hastings, MI. He was raised on a farm and walked to his one room school with his twin brother Jack. His mom passed away when the twins were eight, and they went to live with their grandparents. He then moved to Springfield and graduated from Lakeview High School. He graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Mechanics. He served in the National Guard, and then was drafted in the U.S. Army, serving in the tank division from 1956 to 1957. He was stationed in Mainz, Germany. He returned to start his career at Hoffman Brothers Excavating, first working on fixing all the heavy equipment, eventually becoming Vice President. He married his neighbor and long-time sweetheart, Joan Robertson in 1958. He spent countless hours volunteering for Kiwanis and Birchwood United Methodist (Charter Member) Church. He loved his classic car collection, and boating on Goguac Lake. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He patiently taught his 3 children how to water ski, snowmobile and work hard. He loved his near daily trip to Zeller’s Donut Shoppe. He was a motor home enthusiast, making many annual voyages to Walt Disney World with his family, followed by many years in Florida as a snowbird. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Joan; 3 children, Jeff (Beth) Hoffman, Brian (Kellie) Hoffman and Jill (Henri) Van Schaick; 9 grandchildren, Rebecca, Paul, Rob, Rachel, Ryan, Daniel, James, Max and Sam; great grandchildren; half-sisters, Janice Hoffman and JoAnn Jacobs. Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 5, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Funeral services will be held 12:00 p.m., Thursday, February 6, 2025, at the funeral home. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. prior to the service. Private interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Lakeview/Urbandale Kiwanis or Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. www.henryfuneralhome.org