James L. “Jim” Sova

Lansing, MI

Jim passed away December 19, 2018, after years of tremendous struggle with Parkinson’s disease. Jim was born August 17, 1941, and is survived by his brother, Jack (Mary Ann), his two sons, Jeff (Staci) and Jim (Michelle); 5 grandchildren, Kody, Kyler, Jennifer, Corina, and Rayn; stepsister, Ann Luznak; and Carol, the mother of Jim’s children.

Music was in Jim and Jack’s blood, having been raised by a father who was also a musician. Jim spent most of his young life as a musician when his dad gave him a shot at playing his drums in his dad’s band, the Jesters, and later with his brother Jack. Jim played drums with the Doug Pringle Band, the Billy Goat Cummins Band, the Montereys, the Jim Fuller Band, as well as other musicians who have passed away. His love of music and his drums was one of the highlights of his life. As his Parkinson’s disease began to take hold, Jim would occasionally sit in with his brother Jack at the Unicorn bar in Lansing. Jim delighted in the opportunity to play with his brother despite his disease. In addition, Jim worked for 23 years at Michigan State University where he eventually retired.

Jim adored his grandchildren and the opportunity to be a part of their lives. He will be remembered as a loving grandfather. Even in his last days, Jim would inquire as to the activities of his grandchildren and wanted to know how they were doing. Parkinson’s disease took Jim from us and we will always remember him for the man he was before Parkinson’s.

Jim’s family would like to thank A Family Affair, Jim’s AFC home, for loving him and taking care of him for the past four years. They were a special part of Jim’s life.

A graveside service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 26, 2018, at Deepdale Memorial Gardens, Lansing. Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.