James Hill Orwin

ORWIN, James Hill
Of Hickory Corners James Hill Orwin died peacefully at home on Gull Lake on March 31, 2009. The son of Gladys and Milton Orwin, Jim was born on February 7, 1931 and spent most of his life in Kalamazoo. He graduated from State High where he was a standout in his favorite sports, basketball and tennis. Jim was a high school state champion and nationally ranked tennis player. After attending WMU and Michigan State, he served in the U.S. Army. Jim opened the first Redwood & Ross store in Columbus, Ohio before returning to Kalamazoo and expanding Redwood & Ross to twenty two stores throughout the Midwest. He served on the boards of Industrial State Bank and Arcadia Bank. His best times were spent with his beloved wife, Melissa, his three sons and their families and a huge circle of friends, young and old. Jim enjoyed paddle tennis, playing cards, investing, winters in Florida, and taking trips to the NCAA Final Four, Las Vegas and Biloxi. He fought a long battle with cancer with determination and grace. Jim was profoundly loved and will be greatly missed. His wife of 14 years, Melissa Fleming, survives along with his three sons, John Holly, of Madison, WI, Jeffrey Charlene, and Jerry Carla of Kalamazoo; his brother, Dr. John Weil; and six grandchildren who brought him joy and pride, Gregory, Carly, Colleen, Michael, Audrey and Ben. Also surviving is his former wife, Janet, cousins, nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Pauline; and his brother and sister-in-law, Duke and Betty Orwin. The family will hold a memorial service at the Gull Lake Country Club at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, April 6, 2009. Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick. www.langelands.com