James G. “Jim” Dravenstatt-Moceri
Age 70 passed away into God’s Kingdom on March 27, 2026. He was born on February 18, 1956, in Lansing to the late Melvin and Agatha (Mocere) Dravenstatt.
Whether you knew him as James, Jim, Jimmy 01′ “Guido”, he was a kind, generous and loving person who touched the hearts of so many, and in such a unique way.
There was always a sense of excitement, but at the same time peace, when you were around Jim. He always listened and was always there when he was needed, or he thought he could help. You could always talk to Jim about anything. And you could not avoid the curiosity, excitement and enthusiasm that Jim always carried with him whether it was work at the BWL, the IBEW, politics or playing golf, preparing 01′ eating a special dish, going to a new restaurant, being a talented amateur jeweler, or just hanging out.
Jim worked for many years at BWL serving as assistant business manager, and as customer service representative. He also served the community as volunteer reserve police officer. Jim served on numerous boards such as the UAW and IBEW and was a labor trades union instructor at Eastern High School, where he taught kids the trades. Jim was also very proud of his Italian ancestry and was active in the Italian American Club.
Jim lived life with the spirit of giving, as a person and as a community advocate. Jim often dreamed and talked about writing a book to tell stories of how we could work together to make important things happen, from government and politics to supporting union activities, to raising funds for important charities. But the truth is the “secret was out”, Jim is a living example of community service and what it means to give back to your community. He did it all the time.
Jim rejoiced in the community he was given in a very Christian way, and he always worked hard to expand it and make it better.
Jim will always be remembered for his annual tradition of sharing his homemade cannoli’s, wine, meatballs and smoked ribs. These are just a few of so many examples of how Jim demonstrated his love and friendship.
Jim wore his love for his family on his shirt sleeve and through his actions showed us what real love is all about. Surviving to cherish his memory are Karen Dravenstatt-Moceri, his wife of 35 years, his daughter Wendy (Joe) Wildern, his son Michael Dravenstatt-Moceri, his grandchildren Andie Wildern, Maxwell Wildern, George Wildern and Olivia Wildern, his dear twin sister, Julie (Norm) Spalding, his brother Jeffrey Dravenstatt, his brother-in-law Tom (Doris Goad) Milan, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and many other extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Janet Milan.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at St. Mary Cathedral, 219 Seymour Ave. Lansing, MI 48933, with interment to follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Lansing, MI. Visitation will be 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, April 6, 2026, with a Rosary service to be prayed 7:30 p.m., at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel 325 W. Washtenaw St., Lansing, MI 48933. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Ingham County Animal Control and Shelter .
We are very saddened by Jim’s passing. We take comfort in knowing he was a man of great faith in God. A faith that teaches us that his spirit will live on forever, and we will all be reunited in God’s Kingdom.
50 Messages to “James G. “Jim” Dravenstatt-Moceri”
Print MessagesPlease Sign The Guestbook
Kellee Christensen
March 28, 2026 at 11:37 pmSo sorry for your family’s loss.
Sissie Roche
March 29, 2026 at 11:20 amTo the Dravenstatt family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jeffrey Dravenstatt
March 29, 2026 at 2:43 pmThanks so much Sis.
Sandi
March 29, 2026 at 9:23 pmThinking of you today. Those we love are always with us. Prayers.
Susan Green Sasse
March 30, 2026 at 6:03 amJanet and entire family I’m so sorry.
Prayers being sent
Daryl & Michele Hibbert
March 30, 2026 at 9:17 amPlease accept or deepest sympathy for the transition of our dear friend Jim Dravenstatt-Moceri. Our prayers go up for you!!! Karen, Michael and “twin sister!” Jim IS in glory with Christ, and we rejoice for his love of life, the many people whose lives he touched. It was truly a pleasure to know your family. We will always remember the MSU football games, the cajoles, the spaghetti, his metalworking…he was truly a man of many talents. Peace to you All!! Daryl & Michele-ATL
TJ Wicker
March 30, 2026 at 9:37 amBeautiful obituary. He will be missed
Jeffrey Dravenstatt
March 30, 2026 at 6:12 pmThank you so much.
Kelley JonesBellucci
March 30, 2026 at 9:39 amWith heartfelt sympathy, we are so deeply sorry for your loss. Jim will always be remembered for the impact he had on those who knew and loved him. Through our close connection with Jeffrey and Julie, we have come to know what a special man he was and how much he meant to your entire family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this incredibly difficult time, especially with his beloved wife, Karen Rose. May you find comfort in the love surrounding you and in the many cherished memories you hold close.
With love and deepest condolences,
Mary Pat and Kelley
Jeffrey Dravenstatt
March 30, 2026 at 6:14 pmThanks guys! Much love.
Mary Oliveti Booher
March 30, 2026 at 9:43 amHe was a delightful man. My husband and I truly enjoyed working with him on designing my engagement ring. This news saddens me.
Karen Dravenstatt-Moceri
March 30, 2026 at 10:03 amMy heart is broken. He was a great husband.
Colleen Mauch
April 2, 2026 at 11:16 amPrayers for you and your family! So sorry for your loss!
— Colleen Mauch
Leslie Grannell
April 2, 2026 at 9:50 pmI have not seen or spoken with you for many years. I have missed you both. My heart is with you. Be well, please be strong.
Kari Roethlisberger
March 30, 2026 at 10:06 amSo sorry for your loss. He was such a nice man.
~ Kari Roethlisberger
Patrick Maltby
March 30, 2026 at 10:08 amSo many great memories of making wine and sausage. You were a good cousin and friend and will be missed. God Bless.
Tony De Luca
March 30, 2026 at 11:29 am“Jimmy” was a great friend for many years and will be greatly missed. Gone to soon!!
The many memories in the kitchen of helping him to cook all the Italian dinner events for the Italian American Club of Lansing will be memories that I will cherish. One of many memories.
He was always there if you needed anything and he displayed his love, “the Italian way”, through the delicious food that he would prepare! Wonderful cannoli’s, meatballs, and wine.
Jim, may you sleep in peace. God speed!
Jean Nettleton
March 30, 2026 at 12:23 pmPrayers of comfort and peace to your family.
Adele Dodge
March 30, 2026 at 1:11 pmMy family was sad to hear about Jimmy. Our fondest memories of him are when he would bring us his famous delicious home made cannolis. We looked forward to them at the holidays especially. My mom, Fran Verderese, always looked forward to his visits not only for the cannolis but the fact that he would always sit down & visit with her over coffee.
Adele Verderese Dodge
Connie Tyler (Dravenstatt)
March 30, 2026 at 1:16 pmMy thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Such a great and caring person. Another angel to watch over us.
May you RIP cousin Jim.
Jeffrey Dravenstatt
March 30, 2026 at 6:15 pmThanks Connie for your thoughts.
Roberta Aldrich
March 30, 2026 at 1:54 pmDear Dravenstatt Family: We from the Greenman Reunion Families wish to express our deepest Condolences and Prayers to Jim’s Family and Friends. We will keep Jim in our thoughts and Prayers this Most Holy Week before Easter. I’m sure Jim is getting to know our old family members as we speak. I will record Jim’s passing into our Records today.
Jeffrey Dravenstatt
March 30, 2026 at 6:15 pmThank you Roberta much appreciated.
Sharron Stevens
March 30, 2026 at 3:22 pmI met Jimmy and Karen many years ago through his sister, Jan, and her husband, Tom Milan. We enjoyed many happy times in Florida and in Lansing. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Karen, and family. Jimmy was one of the “good guys!”
Sincerely, Sharron Stevens, Clearwater, FL.
Val Gale
March 30, 2026 at 3:26 pmJim was a wonderful brother-in-law. He always had a smile on his face. He was very loved.
Stephanie Brown
March 30, 2026 at 4:57 pmPrayers and love for his family! Prayers and love for his union family, too. Pure of heart and always smiling – you are already missed, Jim.
Robert Troub
March 30, 2026 at 5:08 pmI am sorry to hear this, my condolences to Jims family
Mike and Deb Tattan
March 30, 2026 at 8:22 pmWe have fond memories of Jim and Karen. A MSU vrs Notre Dame comes to mind. Mike considered Jim a very good friend and spent many hours in the patrol car with him. I knew Mike was always safe with Jim as his partner. His cannolis were out of this world and I have several pieces of special jewelry made by Jim himself. He will be forever missed and Karen our thoughts and prayers will always be with you and your family. Sincerely, the Tattan and Rivera family.
Richard Mauzer
March 31, 2026 at 10:52 amI got to know Jim from our “Saugatuck, 4th of July days.” What a sweetheart of a man he was. Our conversations around the pool would range frim politics, to food, to investing, and everything in between. A caring involved soul was Jim. A toast of homemade vino to my friend Jim, rest un peace, you were taken from us way to soon, REST IN PEACE!
Jason and Andreya Post
March 31, 2026 at 11:20 amSo sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. Our deepest sympathy to Karen, Jim’s children and extended family. We always enjoyed seeing Jim up in Saugatuck at The Ship N Shore every 4th of July. He always had a big welcoming smile on his face and we will miss catching up with him every summer. We know that our time is short on this Earth but that each connection we make is so special. We are better having gotten to know Jim over the years and we will miss him this summer. May he rest in peace and be with the Lord.
Matthew Myers
April 1, 2026 at 7:25 amJim was such a constant source of optimism and positivity! One could not be near Jim and not feel his passion for life’s wonderful possibilities. Even though I moved from MI in 2010, I have been blessed to continue to follow Jim’s post via FB and smile through his words of inspiration. Jim- you will be missed on Earth, by all those who loved you, but God will certainly welcome you into heaven and will assist you in watching over your family & friends.
Tammy Brown
April 1, 2026 at 3:05 pmHad the pleasure of working with Jim for many years & doing jewelry business as well. And those meatballs! Such a kind man. He will be greatly missed. My sincere condolences to the family.
Karan Anderson
April 2, 2026 at 11:01 amKaren and family. I’m sorry for your loss. Jim will be dearly missed by thoes who knew him. May you and your family find comfort in your cherished memories of him in the difficult days to come . My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God be with you.
Ed and Pam Harden
April 2, 2026 at 3:46 pmSo sorry to hear about Jim. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
gene and sandy wriggelsworth
April 2, 2026 at 4:37 pmSuch a wonderful and positive person – always full of life and upbeat! May the memories of him bless all who knew him – especially his immediate family – and of course, his numerous friends.
Gene Wriggelsworth
April 2, 2026 at 4:52 pmLoved working with Jim, always had a smile and a great volunteer at the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office. He will be missed by all.
Linda (Barberio) Granzow
April 2, 2026 at 5:03 pmWho takes such a fantastic photo like this?
Jimmy!!
This posted photo changed everything! I felt incredibly sad, like everyone else that knew Jimmy. Our families lived a couple blocks from each other. Growing up, Julie and I used to team together for fun things to do…and up would pop Jimmy and make us laugh so hard. All the time!
He would even show up at my parents’ home for long conversation, his homemade cannoli deliveries and laughs. Lots of “laughter til your smile hurts” laughs
I didn’t want to pull up the obit. Then, it would be true. But seeing the photo! His photo made the beautifully written obituary come to life. His legacy graced with kindness, always an upbeat spirit, sharing his skills, it all came together showcasing a life very well lived.
Jimmy made the effort to come see my family recently. That meant so, so much to me.
Thank you Jimmy. For everything.
Sympathy and love,
Karen and family
My forever friend Julie, Norm and family
Jeff (sweet brother who laughed also with us)
Tom and family
David Douglas
April 2, 2026 at 6:24 pmKaren and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart is with you.
Jim and Debbie Garvey
April 2, 2026 at 7:50 pmJulie. Jeff and the entire Dravenstatt family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time, a lot of memories going up on Jenison St. Jim and Debbie Garvey
Carol Gates
April 3, 2026 at 5:27 pmKaren and family, I am so very sorry and saddened to hear this news. Jim was a great guy and such a good friend to Curt and myself. My heart goes out to you. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. RIP Jim!
Lori Coito
April 4, 2026 at 9:01 amWe are so sorry for your loss jim, I was like a brother to me. I loved working with him. Love this smile. I loved everything about him.
Jim will be missed by lots of people every person he came in contact with. He left an impression and all of our souls. God bless the family.And may your rest in peace, jim
Vic Celentino
April 4, 2026 at 9:28 amMy deepest sympathy to the family. I first met Jim and his dad decades ago at the 4pm vigil mass at Holy Cross Church. I truly enjoyed having many discussions with Jim over politics, unions, our Italian American heritage. Jim loved his community and was very dedicated in making it a better place for all of us. He was devoted to public service (having ran for local public office) and worked hard representing the rights of working men and women. May the Lord provide comfort and peace to his family.
God Bless,
Vic Celentino
Luis and Londy Flores
April 4, 2026 at 11:16 amWe were sad to hear of Jim’s passing. Jim and Luis worked together at LBWL for many years. He was such a nice person. So sorry for your loss.
Bernie and Nancy (Davis) Sermak
April 5, 2026 at 5:53 pmJeffrey, Karen and Family. So sorry for your loss. Jim was a friend of our family since he was born. Sending our condolences.
Mada (kretzinger) Bliven
April 5, 2026 at 6:36 pmIt comes with great sorrow to hear the passing of such a great person. Growing up this was like a second home for me. Mike, Jim’s son was my best friend. From the great laughs, to eating some of the best Italian food there is, to feeling safe, to coming to my open house, my wedding, the memories I will never forget-my heart breaks for the family. My condolences are with all of you and may God bless you all during this very difficult time!
Phyllis Respecki- Price
April 6, 2026 at 9:22 amMy thoughts & prayers go out to you & all of his family. Jim was so kind to Kelly when he was so sick!!
Have special place for him in my heart.
Steve Stornant
April 6, 2026 at 7:41 pmRest easy…Jimmy D
Rudy and Elva Reyes
April 6, 2026 at 9:25 pmOur condolences and prayers to you Karen and your entire family. We will miss Jim. He was so nice and generous with his time and knowledge. He will definitely be missed by all who knew him as well as the community. I know he will be truly missed at my son’s memorial golf outing which he attended yearly. Know that Rudy and I are here for you.
Sostine castriciano
April 7, 2026 at 12:54 pmSincere condolences from Castriciano ‘s family
Mina and Sostine.
Amy (Magistro) Kraus
April 15, 2026 at 11:01 pmTo the Dravenstatt-Moceri Family:
Jim and I were both saddened to hear about Jim’s passing. He was a good man and a better friend. We remember the Italian-American Club dinners, the wine, and one very wet day with Jim and team from the LBWL installing a water line to bring City water to the LPD Firearms Range. We were all grateful for that.
He will be missed. I hope you all can find peace in your memories.