James E. Michels

Born in Dodgeville, WI to John and Kate Michels, who resided in Spring Green, WI. He lived his childhood in the valleys surrounding the Wisconsin River in Spring Green, and always enjoyed nature’s beauty.

He is survived by his cherished wife of six years, Diane Michels, of Atlanta, GA, his beloved daughters, Danielle Marie Michels and Nicole Elisabeth Michels Matthews, and two adored grandsons, Elliott Scott Michels and Grayson James Matthews, as well as two sisters, Carolyn Butcher and Catherine Dudak, and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his dog, Kemo Sabe, who misses him terribly.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Johnny, Richard and William.

He was a Wisconsin native, and remained an avid Packer fan all his life. He received an undergraduate degree in business from the University of Wisconsin at Madison and a Masters Degree in Hospital Administration from the University of Iowa.

He was decorated for valor for his service in Vietnam from 1967-1969 and retired from the Marine Corps with the rank of Captain.

He came to Atlanta after a long career in hospital administration which included being the President of Copley Memorial Hospital in Aurora, IL at the age of 30, as well as CEO of the Youngstown Hospital Association in Youngstown, OH and CEO of the Incarnate Word Health System which operated 12 hospitals throughout the state of Texas. He came to Atlanta to start an innovative business dealing with male menopause. He founded Renew Youth Centers in 1999, and was still operating his successful and thriving business at the time of his death.

He was charming, bright, vital, and constantly engaged in life’s moment. As a younger man he loved riding horses through the rough hills of Spring Green. He loved to dance and was always known for his wonderful smile. In later years he traveled extensively with his wife, Diane, enjoyed the many friendships they shared, and the home they built together in Florida. He was a man of ideas and vision. He was a man who took care of those he loved. He will be greatly missed.