Jim grew up in Mackinaw City, MI and graduated from Mackinaw City Public Schools. He received a BS and MS in Counseling from Central Michigan University. In 1963 he married Danielle M. Dyer and they had two children, Michael James and Kristen Margaret.
Jim was employed by Oscoda Area Public Schools from 1964-1974 as a Middle School Counselor and later as their first Elementary School Counselor. Jim served on the state committee which developed the standards for Elementary School Counselors in Michigan. He was employed by Marshall Public schools from 1974-1994. During that time, he served as Middle School Counselor, Elementary School Principal, and High School Counselor.
Upon retiring from public schools in 1994, Jim and Danielle moved to Suttons Bay, MI where Jim became Director of Counseling at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, MI. While at IAA he led the staff using a consensus model to make various changes at IAA. Jim regarded his years at IAA as a highlight in his career. When Jim retired from IAA he joined his wife, Danielle, in running their business, Busha’s Brae Herb Farm, mowing a vast lawn, building a picket fence around the shop, hauling mulch, entering sales in a computer, parking cars for visitors, and more.
One more job filled his love of the outdoors. He worked for the Leelanau Conservancy monitoring properties on the beautiful Leelanau Peninsula. Sun, rain, or snow did not stop him.
In 2017 Jim and Danielle moved to Austin, TX to be near family during his illness.
Jim will be much remembered for his ability to tell stories especially featuring the shenanigans of his childhood. Several of his written stories can be found in the archives of the Central Michigan University History Museum.
Jim was predeceased by his parents Leo and Jean Vachow and brother Kevin Vachow. Surviving are his wife, Danielle, and children Michael Vachow and Kristen Phillips; brother Jon Vachow and sister Jo Kendall; grandchildren Carlyn Vachow and Christopher Vachow; nieces Nicole Rehfus, Rene Vachow, Robyn Malari, Becky Smith, and Anna Boyd; and nephews Jeff Vachow and Jess Kendall.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2019 at 11 am at the Suttons Bay Congregational Church in Suttons Bay, Michigan. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Leelanau Conservancy, Leland, MI.
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