James B. Jensen Jr.

Jim demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a strong work ethic from an early age. He graduated in 1975 with high honors from Michigan State University, where he majored in accounting and was a member of the Beta Alpha Psi, Honorary Accounting Fraternity. Jim excelled in his studies while still making time to enjoy college life, particularly his beloved MSU football and basketball teams.

Jim held a variety of jobs during college and law school including as a factory worker at GM Truck and Coach, a landscaper, a shipping clerk, a dish washer, a short order cook, and a teaching assistant. The insight Jim gained from these jobs, along with his education, gave him a depth of perspective that benefited him personally and professionally.

Immediately after graduation, Jim joined Plante Moran and earned his CPA license. Jim developed a passion for helping businesses grow and began law school at the University of Michigan in the fall of 1977. Although a Spartan to his core, Jim was deeply grateful for his time in Ann Arbor because that is where he met his wife-to-be Sue, a U of M nursing student.

After marrying in 1980, Jim and Sue settled in mid-Michigan (and Spartan Country). Jim had already joined the law firm now known as Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC as a member of the Business and Tax Practice Group earlier in the year. Foster Swift was Jim’s professional home for the next 41 years until his passing. He developed a robust business and tax practice and served as General Counsel for many mid-Michigan businesses. Known for his sound judgment and wise counsel, his clients relied on him and trusted him.

His legal expertise was widely recognized. Jim earned AV® Preeminent™ from Martindale, the highest rating possible. He has been included in Best Lawyers in America® from 2005 through 2021 for Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, and Tax Law. He was named Best Lawyers Tax Law’s "Lawyer of the Year" in Lansing for 2015 and 2020. One of his most treasured accolades was being named NALS of Lansing's Boss of the Year in 2007.

In addition to his legal work, Jim was active in the firm’s management and the professional development of the firm’s younger attorneys. He served on the firm’s Executive Committee and was the vice president of the firm’s Lansing office from 2012 through 2017. His law partners have many fond memories of Jim’s tenaciousness on the softball diamond and the racquetball court. For several years, with gin and tonic in hand, he served as umpire at the firm’s annual shareholder-associate softball game.

While Jim’s professional accomplishments seemed endless, he was most successful in his role as a husband and father to his three daughters. His family was the most important thing in his life. Jim always made time to support his daughters in their school functions and sporting events; and he continued to give his advice and guidance throughout their lives. He was also a devoted son, brother, uncle, and grandfather.

Jim was an avid reader and an extremely competitive Euchre and Cribbage player. He loved spending time at his family cottage in Mecosta, where he enjoyed fishing, Frisbee golf, and catching up with everyone at “brother weekends” and family reunions. His summers were also spent taking family trips to Glen Arbor and spending quality time with family and grandchildren, who brought him tremendous joy.

Jim made an incredible impact on so many lives and leaves a legacy behind for his family, friends, and colleagues to follow.

Jim is survived by his devoted wife Sue; his three daughters, Kara, Nicole (John Folino), and Kaelin (Corydon Butler, III); and five grandchildren – the lights of his life – Dino, Lola, Franco, Eloise and Baylor.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Special Olympics, 1133 19th Street NW, 12th Floor, Washington, DC 20036‐3604.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation on Nov. 18, 2021 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with a Rosary at 7:30 p.m. at Gorsline Runciman East Chapel, 1730 E. Grand River, East Lansing. Family services will be held privately.