James M. Cornils of Dexter passed away on July 6th, 2022, at Arbor Hospice in Saline. He was 88. Jim was born on January 7th, 1934, in Sioux City, IA, the only son of William and Mabel (Lighthall) Cornils.
Jim attended East High School in Sioux City where he excelled in sports, notably gymnastics and track. After graduating in 1952, he briefly attended the University of Minnesota to study engineering and ROTC. Teaching was his true passion and he returned to Sioux City and earned his bachelor’s degree and teaching certification from Morningside College. During that time, he met Mary Alys Reiff, who was attending nursing college there.
Mary and Jim married on July 6th, 1956, and they began building their family of six children. Jim’s passion for educational excellence led him to teaching opportunities in Iowa, Nebraska and finally to Michigan in the fall of 1966. Not only did Jim teach math in the Ann Arbor Public Schools until his 1995 retirement, he also taught at Washtenaw Community College and the prisons in Milan and Ypsilanti. During his tenure, he co-authored a math textbook and earned a master’s degree in Mathematics from Eastern Michigan University. After he retired from teaching, he worked for Hosmer-Muehlig Funeral Home for another 10 years.
Although Jim was known as an entertaining storyteller and avid card player, he and Mary were also well-traveled, going to Europe, China, Mexico, Canada, and all over the USA. They visited over 40 state capitals and perhaps twice as many college football stadiums. Jim loved to sit and visit with family, friends and strangers, and his many years of delivering Meals on Wheels was the perfect way for him to serve others while enjoying good conversation.
Jim joined Mary in her Catholic Faith journey in 1986. As a result, Jim became very faith centered, often initiating prayer and reflection. He was known as being ecumenical, appreciating other Christian faiths and traditions. Jim loved his family more than anything. He was a devoted husband, a generous, wise and hard-working father, and a very proud grandpa.
Jim is survived by five children: James, Jr. of Dexter, Allison Edwards of Ann Arbor, Peter (Pauline) Cornils of Battle Creek, Patrick (Leslie Robles) of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, and Steven (Rebecca Biederman) of Portland, OR. Jim had five grandchildren, Alex (Adrian Griffin) Edwards of Lakewood, OH, Tristan Edwards of Alamo, NV, Camille Cornils (Toby Bove) of Chicago, Miles Cornils of Battle Creek, and Daniel Cornils of Portland.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife Mary, daughter Carol Frances Cornils, two sisters, Connie Andersen and Nancee Luebbert, his stepfather Lloyd Savage, his son-in-law Terry Edwards, and his parents.
Jim’s family will receive friends at the Dexter St. Joseph Country Church (6805 Mast Rd.) from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, August 18th. Immediately following visitation, the Mass of Christian Burial will be prayed with Fr. Brendan Walsh presiding. After Mass, the Knights of Columbus will host a luncheon at the Dexter K of C Hall (8265 Dexter-Chelsea Rd). Memorial contributions may be made to either St. Joseph Catholic Church (3430 Dover St, Dexter), the Dexter Knights of Columbus, or the Encore Musical Theater (Dexter).
Expressions of sympathy may be made on www.mitchellfuneral.com.
