James Edward “Jim” Galardi, 83, of Coldwater passed away peacefully Friday, June 26, 2026 at The Laurels of Coldwater.
A graveside service will be held at Roseland Memorial Garden Cemetery in Jackson, MI Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater.
Jim was born May 19, 1943 in Jackson, MI, to Edward and Eileen (Henderson) Galardi. A proud 1961 graduate of Napoleon High School, he continued his education at Eastern Michigan University, earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
Following college, Jim honorably answered the call to serve his country during the Vietnam Conflict as a member of the United States Army. His military service remained a source of great pride throughout his life. Upon returning home, Jim built a successful career in financial management.
His dedication, integrity, and strong work ethic ultimately led him to retire from Schuler’s Restaurant in Marshall, where he was well respected by colleagues and friends alike.
April 19, 1980, Jim married the love of his life and best friend, Jewel Lee Wilcenski. Together they built a life centered on love, laughter, and family. Jewel Lee survives him. Jim was a proud member of the Coldwater VFW and found great enjoyment in restoring homes, searching for hidden treasures at garage sales, and engaging in spirited games of euchre with family and friends.
Jim also dedicated many years of volunteering with Goodwill Industries. While he appreciated each of these hobbies, nothing brought him greater happiness than his family. He embraced every opportunity to be a devoted husband and loving father, cherishing the time spent together and creating memories that will be treasured for years to come.
Jim will be remembered for his quiet strength, generous heart, unwavering sense of duty, and the genuine kindness he extended to those around him. His legacy lives on through the love he shared with his family and the many lives he touched throughout the years. Jim’s family invites those who knew and loved him to remember him not only for the life he lived but for the compassion, dedication, and steadfast love he gave so freely to others. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.
In addition to his wife of 46 years, Jewel Lee Galardi, Jim leaves behind his children Christopher (Kelley) Galardi, Mathew (Ginger) Galardi, Vicki (Tom) Kaczmarczyk, Wendy (Mike) Ballast; his grandchildren Nicole (Austyn)Voyles, Zachary Brincat, Abigail Ballast, Garrett (Gen) Kaczmarczyk, Ryan Kaczmarczyk; his great grandchild Peyton Kaczmarczyk; and his beloved niece Cindy (Don) Lindstrom along with many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.
James was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings Patricia Donaldson Nelson and David Galardi, and his granddaughter Taylor Brincat.
Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society.
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