James Louis Warner

James Louis Warner, 69, of Haslett, Michigan passed away November 10, 2022, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. Jim was born in Lansing on February 22, 1953, to Louis Nicholas Warner and Donalda Agnes (Maclean) Warner. He graduated from Everett High School, Alma College, and Michigan State University (MBA). Jim worked in financial analysis and related fields for Farm Bureau, General Motors, and EDS. After a successful career, he retired and focused on assisting elderly relatives, including his aunt, Margaret Clark, his in-laws, Helen and Andrew Ackerman, and his own parents. He viewed this as an honor, privilege, and calling in his retirement years. Jim also invested in real estate and used these investments in service of friends and family. Jim was frugal by nature but had a generous heart and looked out for others, helping where he could. His genuine interest in, and empathy for, others was evident to those who knew him best.

An only child, Jim was quickly "adopted" by the family of Sam and Dorothy Pizzo who lived adjacent to Jim's family home in Lansing. Jim considered the Pizzo children to be his brothers and sisters, and the Pizzos felt the same way about Jim. Sam Pizzo Junior was Best Man at Jim's wedding. These close relationships continued through Jim's entire life. The Friday luncheons with the Pizzo siblings were always a high point of Jim's week.

Jim was athletic in his younger years (swimming, football, tennis and other sports), and enjoyed playing his trombone in the Alma College Marching Band (often wearing a kilt). One of his main leisure pursuits was sailing, on the waters of Lake Lansing where he resided, Mullett Lake at his family's cottage, and the Great Lakes. Jim enjoyed the time on the water, alone or with others, and from his childhood he developed the tactical skills needed to race or simply outwit the wind.

Jim married his wife Diane (Ackerman) on June 18, 1983. Jim and Diane enjoyed traveling the world together, visiting places near and far including Alaska, the Caribbean, Morocco, Europe, and many parts of the United States. Jim was most fond of trips in Michigan, including to Caseville where he and Diane spent many happy days at their cottage. Jim was the beneficiary of Diane's hobby of cooking and was especially fond of her chicken dishes. He made Diane blush when he lavishly praised her cooking to his friends, but it was his way of honoring her.

Jim was a man of strong Christian faith. He spoke frequently of how the Lord was blessing him, and lent an ear to others who needed encouragement, always ready to say a prayer on their behalf. Jim belonged to St. Martha Catholic Church in Okemos, and the Work of Christ Ecumenical Community. He had many relationships that went back years, and strove to maintain contact through phone calls, emails and cards. Jim was a loyal friend to many and will be missed, especially by his wife Diane.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents Louis N. and Donalda A. Warner. He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Diane.

A visitation will be held on Monday, November 28th, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home East Lansing Chapel, 1730 E Grand River Ave. in East Lansing. A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, November 29th, 2022, at 11:00 AM, with a visitation one hour prior from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, at St. Martha Catholic Church, in Okemos. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Jim's memory may make a donation to Mother Teresa House in Lansing.