James (Jim) Adolph Lentz, of Roseville, Michigan, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2026, at the age of 89, surrounded by his entire family in his son’s home in Charlevoix, Michigan. It was there, in his final years, that Jim found great joy, comfort, and countless blessings in the love and presence of those dearest to him.
Jim was born on August 6, 1937, in Decorah, Iowa, to Adolph and Wilma Lentz. He later attended and graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic Grade and High School in Mount Clemens, Michigan. He met his beloved Rita Ann (Heitchue) while managing the Mount Clemens Theater where she worked at the candy counter. They were married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Roseville, Michigan, living a life together for 64 years that was defined by faith, hard work, service, and an unwavering devotion to family.
Above all else, Jim treasured his family and friends. He showed his love not just through words, but through a lifetime of being there for the people who mattered most, traveling countless miles to attend family reunions, proudly following his children and grandchildren to baseball, softball, basketball, volleyball, cross country and hockey games, and making time for the many moments, both big and small, that brought his loved ones together. Jim’s presence was a constant source of support, encouragement and love, and his family was truly the center of his world.
Jim was also a lifelong supporter and fiercely loyal fan of ”his” Detroit Tigers. For nearly nine decades, he tracked the box scores and listened to the voice of Ernie Harwell on summer nights—never missing a game. From the 1945 championship of his childhood to the magical runs of 1968 and 1984, Jim bled Detroit baseball. His family will forever cherish memories of talking stats around the kitchen table or on the phone, attending games at Michigan and Trumbull, and later, cheering from the stands at Comerica Park. Jim taught us all that no matter how tough the season, you always show up for the next inning.
Jim carried that same dedication into every aspect of his life. Through determination, integrity, and a strong work ethic, he built a successful career and business, JD Floor Covering. His commitment to his Catholic faith and parish community was equally remarkable. He generously served the St. Athanasius community for over 30 years in various capacities, including as Chairman of Finance of the annual Fun Fair, Parish Council President and Treasurer of ARC Credit Union, of which he spearheaded a merger into Christian Financial Credit Union, and always giving of his time and leadership whenever he was called upon by God or Community. He spent numerous years working at various De La Salle Collegiate H.S. sporting events, where his sons Jim ’86 and David ’89, and grandson Paul ’03 graduated, manning the gates and handling event collections. He loved his Pilot family and would always make it a priority to meet his DLS friends for monthly lunches. He was also devoted to his local community through his volunteerism with youth sports, managing and coaching multiple community baseball teams and helping young athletes learn the values of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship.
A proud veteran of the United States Army, Jim served in the U.S. Tank Division, Patton’s 34th Armor Division, 32nd Company, rising to the rank of Master Sergeant. His military service reflected the same sense of duty, discipline, and dedication that guided him throughout his life.
Jim’s legacy lives on through the family he loved so dearly. He is survived by his children, Linda (Brian) Loush, Jim (Diana) Lentz, and David (Jami) Lentz, his grandchildren, Paul “PJ” (Kate) Brozo, Amanda (David) Colombo, Benjamin Lentz (fiancée, Anna Bosinger), Grace and Mary Lentz, and Sarah and Allison Lentz, and his great-grandchildren, Noah and Mack Brozo. He is also survived by his sister, Margaret Ferdig, his brother, Tim Lentz, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Rita, his infant son, Matthew, his parents, Adolph and Wilma, his brother, Lawrence, and his sister, Connie Davis.
The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Jim’s special nurses, Jodi, Kandi, and Vanessa of AdvisaCare Home Health and Hospice in Charlevoix. Their compassion, kindness, and care brought comfort to Jim and his family during his final days, and their support will always be remembered.
Jim leaves behind a legacy of faith, hard work, and deep devotion to his family and community. As a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, veteran, and friend, he exemplified a life lived with purpose, always placing the needs of others above his own. While he will be profoundly missed, his strength, integrity, and smile will live on through the generations he leaves behind and in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.
Funeral Arrangements:
Family and friends are invited to gather from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 29th, at Kaul Funeral Home, 35201 Garfield Road, Clinton Township, Michigan. A prayer service will take place at 7:00 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 30th, at St Peter Catholic Church, 95 Market St., Mt Clemens MI. Jim will lie in state beginning at 9:30am until the start of the mass at 10:00am.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to support our Veterans by donating to the Fisher House Foundation (https://fisherhouse.org) or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (https://t2t.org) in memory of James A. Lentz.
