James Louis Hermans

James Louis Hermans, age 78, of Escanaba, passed away Monday evening, September 6, 2021 at his home. He was born on October 13, 1942 in Escanaba, the son of Ray and Beatrice (Lemerand) Hermans. Jim was raised in Escanaba and graduated from Holy Name High School in 1961. Following high school, he attended Northern Michigan University and received his Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education and Elementary Education. In 1966, he began teaching in St. Clair Shores, MI for four years. In 1971, Jim returned to Escanaba and was a Teacher’s Assistant for Special Services at the Escanaba High School until 1975. From that point until 1982, he was the Director of Special Education for the Escanaba School System. He then taught at Lemmer Elementary School from 1983 until 1997. Jim retired in 1997 and ran for the Escanaba School Board in 2000 and served as a current member up until he passed away. He also was on the Board of Trustees for Bay College for 12 years and was president of the board twice. Jim was a very active member and giver in local civic organizations. He started with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area in 1978, served in the Escanaba Noon Kiwanis Club, was a member of the Escanaba Elks Lodge 354, and served on the Foster Grandparent’s Board for 18 years. Jim taught adult education for over 25 years and was also a GED instructor for North Menominee Schools located at Wells School in Escanaba for 13 years. He also was a GED instructor at the Head Start building in Escanaba for 6 years. Jim loved education and attended many workshops and meetings throughout Michigan. He had a passion for horses and raised 4 black Arabian horses for years on Old State Road in Escanaba. His greatest passion of all was in education and teaching students and adults in our area. Jim was a much-loved relative, friend, and teacher who will be greatly missed.

Jim is survived by his sister, Donna (John) Cody of Escanaba; sister-in-law, Pat Hermans of Escanaba; nieces and nephews, Connie Diller of CA, Kris Gasman of Appleton, WI, Johnna Cody of Hermansville, and Raymond Cody of Suamico, WI; and numerous cousins.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Hermans; and niece, Kelly Hermans.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., Friday, September 10, 2021 at St. Anne Catholic Church in Escanaba. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m., Friday, with Father Fran DeGroot officiating. Burial will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery in Escanaba. 

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