Jim Dorin
Jim peacefully passed away surrounded by loved ones on November 22, 2023, to be with his son, parents, siblings, and many other loved ones. Jim was a January 1957 graduate of Lansing Eastern High School, served in the United States Army and attended Ferris State University. After 35 years of employment with the State of Michigan Department of Transportation, Jim retired in 1996 as the Manager of the Transport Permits Unit. Jim was a tremendous athlete and excelled at many sports, earning high school all-city basketball player honors, and playing on both men’s city and state softball championship teams. Jim’s softball career highlights include his 2022 induction into the USA Softball of Michigan Fast Pitch Hall of Fame. Jim gave back to the local sports community coaching youth football, youth baseball and women’s softball. Jim enjoyed golfing with friends and family and was extremely passionate and loyal to his beloved Michigan State Spartans. Jim’s family and friends were a priority in his life, always taking time to attend their high school sporting events and milestone celebrations. Jim was preceded in death by his son Mark, parents Wesley and Juanita, sister Deanna Cook, and brothers Larry, Kenneth, Wesley, and Mickey Dorin.
Surviving to cherish his memory are his sister Sally Quirin, brother Raymond Dorin, sister-in-law Elaine Dorin, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are encouraged to wear MSU Spartan attire in honor of Jim’s love for MSU during visitation from 5-8pm on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, 325 W. Washtenaw St, Lansing, MI 48933. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at Olivet Baptist Church of Lansing, 5455 W. Willoughby Road, Lansing, MI 48911.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Jim Dorin to Sparrow Children’s Center, a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital at Sparrow Foundation 1322 E. Michigan Ave. Suite 204, Lansing, MI. 48912. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.estesleadley.com for the Dorin family.
21 Messages to “Jim Dorin”
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Cheryl L Della Pia
November 24, 2023 at 9:29 amHe was a wonder neighbor and friend for 30 years. I’ll miss him always.
Mary Palamara klein
November 24, 2023 at 11:42 amHe was a father to me after my biological father passed away when I was 14. Uncle Jim was the name my brothers and I had for him and he was family us. I’m grateful for his love, guidance, support and humor. He is a great loss to many and a gift to those who knew him. Until we meet again in heaven. Love you. Mary Palamara Klein
Martin Denning
November 24, 2023 at 4:46 pmIt was a honor to be able to call Jim a friend he would do anything for anybody a heart of gold.We had a lot of good times together watching his Spartans. He will be missed by many .Rip my friend.
krista besley
November 24, 2023 at 6:17 pmAw Jim. I’m so sad. Maggie and I were so lucky to have had you in our lives. You will be missed! Condolences to your family.
Jim Keyton Jr.
November 24, 2023 at 10:20 pmMr. Dorin was one of my Dad’s closest Friends. His sincerity, caring and love for Family and Friends was unquestionable. He always had a kind word, joke and a warm smile. Thankful to have had the opportunity to know him. We will all miss him…Rest in Heaven Mr Dorin…peace
Wayne Kosloski
November 25, 2023 at 7:52 amPlayed a lot of fast pitch softball with Jim. He was a great guy and a lot of fun to be around. RIP my friend.
Bob Every
November 25, 2023 at 9:01 amJimmy, was one of the building block in our community. It just doesn’t seem possible that he is gone, he gave so much, and ask for so little. He may be the best team player, I ever had the pleasure to be on the same field with. His induction into the Michigan Softball Hall of Fame, isn’t his only Hall of Fame, He’s also in the World Hall of Fame, as a contributor to man-kind, a good a decent human-being. It’s not going to be the same without him…Goodbye my friend.
Tom DePottyondy
November 25, 2023 at 10:11 am.A true friend, you could call on Jim for anything and he would be right there to helpI. He will truly be missed by many and I proudly considered him a great friend. RIP buddy!!
Bil Turner
November 25, 2023 at 11:34 amJim was known around the Dept of Transportation as one you could count on to help you, when you needed help. A great contributor.
Dana “Chris” Barajas
November 25, 2023 at 1:04 pmI met Jim 15 years ago while we both served on the Lansing Eastern High School Athletics Hall of Fame committee. Jim was the ultimate Quaker. His knowledge of Eastern’s athletic and his love for his fellow students was apparent. He vacationed with us in Mexico 6 or so years ago and made us all feel like family. He was a gentlemen and an all around great human. I’m so blessed to be able to call him my friend!
Larrry Maiers
November 25, 2023 at 5:10 pmThank you, Jim, for allowing me to share your life. I’ll always cherish our friendship. Rest in Peace Jim.
Judy VanPeenen
November 26, 2023 at 5:19 pmJim was a good friend of my StepFather Gordy (Louie) Nestle. He was a wonderful person. I know he will be dearly missed. Rest in Peace Jim.
Jerry Mitchell
November 26, 2023 at 7:24 pmI have known Jim since grade school. We played alot of Ball together as kids through High School. We have spent time together after Retirement talking about the Good Old Days. I will miss you My Friend…Go State…Jerry Mitchell and Wife Barbara
Tony Bartlett
November 27, 2023 at 12:28 pmJim was a great neighbor and really good guy. He was always willing to help a neighbor out, and was always great to talk to (even if I was wearing a Michigan shirt). The neighborhood feels a little empty now and won’t be the same. He will be missed.
Kathie Hall
November 27, 2023 at 5:03 pmDear Jim,
So proud to call you friend for so many years. Your dry humor..your banter with Louie..just you being you was such a great part of my life back in the Art’s days. You were a true friend. Thank you for our memories.
Joseph Dionise
November 27, 2023 at 5:36 pmI watched Jim play fast pitch softball at Ranney Park, what an athlete. I lived in the same Eastside neighborhood as Jim did growing up. In later years I would see Jim around town and we would talk about sports-MSU of course. RIP my friend.
Carol Lundberg
November 28, 2023 at 11:29 amDear Jim,
You were the best of the best! Greatest friend, coach, athelete, and golf buddy. And, so much more to everyone that knew you. Such fond memories forever…Love Carol
Gary Tellier
November 28, 2023 at 1:10 pmJim, RIP . Next game is scheduled for Wednesday at 1100:
Margaret Ansley Dannemiller
November 28, 2023 at 7:36 pmJim and I were friends for a lot of years…graduated Jan 57 LEHS..He was hard working, organized and always made a great effort for our reunions….I am so sorry to learn of his recent illness and death…May he rest in Peace…my sincere sympathy to his family and friends.
Jessica Randall
December 1, 2023 at 10:46 amI was very lucky to get to know Jim over the last few years. He would come into my work, Planet Fitness, every morning with a smile and a story. I never was able to tell him that he was one of the best parts of my day, but I hope he is able to see that now. I’ll never forget the kindness he showed me from day one.
Thanks for everything, Jim. I’m really going to miss you.
Jim Atchison
December 21, 2023 at 8:40 amI am saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. I met Jim in the early 60s when he worked with my father in Howell on the I 96 project. They both ended up in the main office in Lansing and I always made it a point to stop and say hello when I visited my dad. He always had a smile on his face and an encouraging word. In the last few years I was able to keep in touch with him and would call him when I passed the rest area on M 46 honoring his time and work with the highway department . I had some great times watching him play at Ranny Park and I will miss his bright personality.