James W. Dines
July 18, 1938 – July 15, 2026
In accordance with Jim’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. His family plans to gather at one of their favorite places, La Cantina, to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, the American Cancer Society, or Centrica Rose Arbor Place in Kalamazoo. Jim’s life was built on generosity, laughter, and love. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Obituary
James Walter Dines, age 87, passed away on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
Born on July 18, 1938, to Frank and Elsie Dines, Jim was the youngest of four children. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1956 before earning his degree in pharmacy from Ferris State College in 1961.
Jim lived a life defined by hard work, kindness, and a wonderfully playful sense of humor. During the Vietnam War, he proudly served as a pharmacist in Germany before returning home to own and operate his small-town pharmacy for 40 years. He believed in showing up, treating everyone with kindness and confidentiality, and once snowshoed into town during a blizzard to make sure prescriptions were filled.
Outside the pharmacy, Jim’s lawn looked more like a golf course than a backyard.
He gardened in pharmacy smocks, white dress shirts, and dress pants, refusing to
wear jeans until he turned 40—then jeans became his wardrobe of choice for the
rest of his life.
He was known for his pork tenderloin, omelets, and keeping the family’s Cedar Point tradition alive every summer since 1973. His grandchildren were always greeted with, “Hi, lovey,” or “Hey, I’m lovin’ you,” and knew they could count on him for breakfast before school, a helping hand, and whatever they needed. He also loved talking sports with his brother-in-law and dear friend, Ron, and never missed the chance to deliver a few colorful one-liners when the moment called for it.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Marlene; his daughters, Dawn (Scot) Ogden and Kelly (Joe) Bohl; his son, James Edward Dines; and his son-in-law, Terry McCann. He was a proud grandpa to Tyler (Beth) Ogden, Mallory (Scott) Cook, Erin (Martin) Kucharek, Colin (Lacey) Bohl, and Thomas McCann, and a happy great-grandpa to Maggie Ogden, Noah and Asher Kucharek, and Addie and Archer Morrill.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Elsie Dines; his brother, Frank Dines; his sisters, Virginia Cooper and Jackie Baxter; and his daughter, Sheri McCann, who remained deeply loved and forever in his heart.
The best dad a girl could ever have. I will miss you forever. I’ll be lovin you.
Thinking of your family. Jim was a wonderful man, always ready and willing to serve others.
Kelly, Joe, Mal, Colin, Jimmy, Marlene, Dawn, and families,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Mr. Dines was the kindest, dearest, gentleman who loved his community and took care of many people. He was always friendly and had so much life in him! He loved his family and had the biggest smile! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We have lost an amazing man! RIP dear friend. You will be missed. Hugs to all.
💔 Rest in Peace Mr. Dines.