James Ebert Obituary
A private celebration of life will be held by the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jim's name to Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes (https://www.kzoolf.org.) or to Milestone Senior Services' Meals on Wheels program (https://www.milestonesenior.org).
Ernest James "Jim" Ebert, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2025—just one day after celebrating his 89th birthday. Born on May 29, 1936, in Buffalo, New York, Jim lived a full and vibrant life that took him across Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Florida before settling in Portage, MI.
Jim was the beloved son of the late Dr. Reuben and Dorothy Ebert. He is survived by five children: James Ebert (Teri), Thomas Ebert, Kristin Nolan (Patrick), and Daniel Ebert (Cristina), from his marriage to Nancy Ebert; and Jocelyn Platt (Phillip), from his marriage to Judith Ricketts.
He was a devoted and proud grandfather, affectionately known to his grandchildren as Grandpa Jim or Grandpa Ebie, to Lauren Slavinsky (Sam), Katelyn Root, Elizabeth Ebert, Aaron Ebert, Nicole Ebert, Patrick Nolan (Shawna), Dan Nolan, Matthew Nolan, Carley Nolan, Vivian Ebert, Rebecca Platt, Gabriel Platt, and Audrey Platt. His legacy continues in his great-grandchildren: Rowan, Harley, and Calum Slavinsky and Lilly and Charlotte Nolan.
A proud University of Michigan graduate, Jim earned his Bachelor of Science in Engineering and carried his Wolverine pride with him throughout life—especially when cheering on Michigan sports teams. His degree launched a distinguished career in structural engineering, specializing in parking garage design. He was a founding member of both Carl Walker and Associates and Timothy Haahs and Associates, leaving his mark on communities across the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Locally, Jim took great pride in the projects he contributed to throughout Kalamazoo and Portage. He was especially proud of the pedestrian bridge he designed connecting the Radisson hotel to a downtown Kalamazoo parking ramp—an enduring structure that stood strong through the 1980 tornado and continues to serve the community today.
Jim's love of music was a meaningful part of his life. Born into a musical family, he played piccolo in the University of Michigan marching band and flute in the Perrysburg Orchestra, where he was one of the original members and remained active for several years, along with other local community groups. He also played the piano in his youth and had a deep appreciation for classical music—especially orchestral works, opera, and ballet—and held a lifelong love of musical theatre. He had a particular fondness for marching band music and would proudly play "Hail to the Victors" — often loud enough to fill the house with sound. In retirement, he found great joy in watching and sharing recordings of performances with his family. Attending live concerts and stage productions had been one of his favorite pastimes when he was younger, and music remained a constant source of joy and connection throughout his life.
In his younger years, Jim enjoyed playing first base on his church softball team alongside his son James—an activity that brought him great joy. After college, he served in the U.S. Army Reserves as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Corps of Engineers. Later, he gave back to his community through service on the Portage Sign Ordinance Committee in the 1970s, helping to preserve the city's charm by limiting the size of signs—an effort he remained proud of—as well as through volunteer work with the Portage Historical Society.
Jim's brilliance and keen intelligence were matched by his warmth. Above all, he will be remembered for his kindness—a word used again and again by those who knew him. He was a sharp thinker, a generous spirit, a respectful listener, and a deeply caring man. Jim had a remarkable memory and an easy way of connecting with others through conversation. A lover of wordplay and dad jokes, he brought joy and humor to those around him. Crossword puzzles, books, and word games kept his mind sharp to the end. Most of all, Jim was deeply proud of his family. His family will deeply miss his wisdom, his quiet presence, and the steady love he shared across generations.
