Jim F. Sack

James Franklin “Jim” Sack, age 88, of Grand Ledge, MI, passed away to be with his Heavenly Father on December 7, 2022.  He was preceded in death by his parents Frank Sack and Bertha Sack, and brothers Robert and Raymond.

Jim was born on June 20, 1934 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and was baptized as an infant.

Jim attended Michigan State University from 1953-1956.  He was an engineering major. He played baseball during his sophomore, junior, and senior years.  Jim was the MSU baseball MVP in 1955 and 1956.

Jim met his wife-to-be Phyllis O’Dell at MSU.  Jim and Phyllis got married in 1957 in Oxford, Michigan, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church and moved from Grand Rapids to Lansing in 1963. Jim spent the rest of his life in the Lansing area.

Jim is survived by his wife Phyllis; his daughter Linda (Sack) Garshaw and son-in-law Steve Garshaw; his son David Sack and daughter-in-law Heidi Sack; his son Robert Sack and daughter-in-law Deborah Sack; his son Edward Sack and daughter-in-law Lisa Sack; and his brother, Richard.  Jim had 7 grandchildren:  Jessica (Sack) Damrat, Ashley (Sack) DiMeglio, Valerie (Sack) Shadix, Kyle Westphal, Bethany (Sack) Force, Rebekah (Sack) Parr, and Jonathan Sack.  Jim had 11 great-grandchildren:  Hudson, August, Penelope and Oliver Damrat; Milo DiMeglio; Annalee, Emma, and Charlotte Force; Vera, Jack, and Walker Parr.

Jim was a successful businessman as a sales engineer, first working for the Trane Company and then starting his own business, Sack Mechanical Sales.

Jim was a dedicated member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church both at their Lansing location and then also in Grand Ledge.  He was a valuable leader in his church, serving on the board of elders, and as a treasurer, and as a Sunday School superintendent. He also served on the building committees for OSL church constructions both on Holmes Road and the current Grand Ledge location. He was particularly interested in Christian school education and was very proud of how the OSL shaped the minds and hearts of students.

Despite his many earthly accomplishments, Jim knew that his salvation rested solely on the grace and mercy of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  We know that he is celebrating in heaven.

There will be a memorial service held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 7910 E. St. Joseph Highway, Lansing, MI 48917. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Our Savior Lutheran School or a charity of the donor’s choice. Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.