James Edwin Rynbrandt

James “Jim” Edwin Rynbrandt, aged 83, passed away peacefully on May 30, in Lansing, Michigan. He was born on December 3, 1941, in Burnips, Michigan, to John and Mae (Goodman) Rynbrandt. Growing up on the family orchard, he had many fond memories with his sister, Joyce and brothers John and Don.

After earning a master’s degree in Human Resources from Michigan State University, Jim began his thirty year career working for the State of Michigan. Ultimately, he became the Director of Human Resources and would always say that he loved his job and the people he worked with. Jim was well loved by all of his employees who greatly admired his strong work ethic and fierce advocacy for those depending on him.

This devotion characterized his 54 year long marriage with Sheila Elizabeth Rynbrandt (VanVoorhis). Jim and Sheila were married in 1969 and went on to design and build two homes together. Their second and final home was their haven, nestled in a patch of woods in Dimondale, Michigan. There they raised their two children, Matthew and Abigail “Abbey”. From the very beginning, Jim and Sheila threw themselves into parenting. One way Jim did this was by faithfully serving on Potterville’s school board so that he could be a part of the school’s important decisions.

Jim and Sheila created precious memories for their children with their many vacations to the beach. At the beach, Jim enjoyed playing as much as Matthew and Abbey, jumping in the waves and body surfing to shore. As Matthew grew, Jim saw his love of basketball and spent night after night in the driveway with Matthew playing intense games of one-on-one or “HORSE.” Encouraging Matthew every step of the way, Jim was up close in the bleachers, cheering on his son in his high school basketball career. But it wasn’t just in the excitement of sports that Jim sought to connect with his children. He would find small moments, like sitting by little Abbey on the couch to watch Saturday morning cartoons or playing a game of Paperboy together on their Nintendo.

Jim’s competitive spirit could be seen in many different ways. One of which was in his love for golf. He and his friends would meet early on a weekday morning when the dew was heavy on the golf course. They’d roll their pant legs up, play nine holes then head to the office – all by 8 am!

And at home, since both he and Sheila came from game-playing families, they would frequently enjoy a game with either set of parents. When Matthew and Abbey were old enough they taught them all kinds of board and card games. On any given night they’d circle up for a lively game of “Fast Uno” “Dutch Blitz” or a more tame game of “Euchre.”

When their five grandchildren entered the picture, Jim was the first to ask, “What game are we playing next?” When they were young he’d complain that somehow things were stacked against him when they’d play “Sorry.” As they grew and learned games like Pinochle, he’d talk about how smart his grandkids were to catch on so quickly. Thousands of games were played at their dining room table.

From that same table, a person could see another hobby of Jim’s – his enthusiasm for collecting antiques. In various china hutches sat years worth of searching and finding. Jim would comb over antique malls, garage and estate sales and even attend auctions. Over time, what started as more of a treasure hunt, became a small business: Liz’s Glitz and Glass. Jim began to sell antiques at different antique stores. Later, after the birth of Ebay, Jim began to feature the more valuable items online. Until the very end, Jim could be found at his computer in the evenings, mapping out a pathway to the next day’s garage sales.

Jim’s devotion was not just to his family, career and hobby, but also to his faith. Having grown up in a Christian home, Jim continued to instill Christian values in his own children. Every morning he would sit at his kitchen counter and read his Bible before work. In their church, Jim served on the Trustee board and taught 6th grade Sunday School alongside Sheila. They’d gladly open their home to the sixth grade group along with their children’s friends.

Just as his faith in Jesus Christ carried Jim in his life, so it carried him on into eternity, where he joined Sheila who passed away two years ago.

Jim is survived by his son, Matthew Rynbrandt (Elizabeth Webster); daughter, Abigail (Jeffrey) House; grandchildren, Donovan, Claire, Savannah, Paige and Declan; and his older brother, Don (Mary Lee) Rynbrandt.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at South Church, 5250 Cornerstone Drive, Lansing. His family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in honor of Jim’s Mother, whom he adored.

Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.