James Toews

James Lyle Toews was born on February 7, 1937, to Abram P. and Priscilla Wiebe Toews near Langdon, North Dakota. His life's journey ended on January 13, 2023, at MyMichigan Medical Center in Alma, Michigan. He was eighty-five years old.

Jim grew up on a North Dakota prairie farm in a family of five boys and three girls. Our family enjoyed hearing stories of his childhood and education in a one-room country school, Moscow #4, in Cavalier County. He told us about walking from school in boots so heavy with mud he could hardly lift his feet, and of taking a horse and buggy or covered sleigh.

Dad gave his heart to the Lord in his teenage years. He was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, on May 2, 1954, at North Unity Church, by Minister Otto Isaac. The Church was precious to him, and he remained faithful to his vows.

A trip to Michigan in 1958 changed the course of his life when he met our mother, Charis Litwiller. They were married on August 21, 1960, at Newark Mennonite Church, near Ithaca, Michigan. Three months later they left for his 1W service in Roseburg, Oregon, where he spent the next two years serving at the Veterans Hospital. We could tell by their stories what a good time it was and how special and lasting the friendships and memories became.

After completing his service they returned to Michigan, residing in the rural Middleton area for the next 58 years. He then began his life’s work as a carpenter. He loved working with wood and paid special attention to detail and quality. Many houses in our community bear witness to his careful craftsmanship.

Our father liked straight lines in a garden as well as in woodworking. His garden was a thing of beauty. During the summer months, he spent nearly every evening weeding and cultivating. We have good memories of helping him plant long rows of sweet corn, peas and potatoes. His other favorite pastimes included feeding the birds and working crossword puzzles.

Our family of two sons and three daughters have many happy childhood memories of Dad making and fixing our toys, family outings to the lake, and daily devotions. He loved and enjoyed his grandchildren and prayed for them every day. The roses he gave to Mom and the girls every Christmas were a special token of his love to us. He left us a legacy of quiet, faithful Christian living.

He enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends, including a trip to Nigeria to spend time with children serving in the mission. This trip, which included a stop in Belgium, was a highlight of his life.

In November 2021, our parents moved to an independent apartment in the Mapleview Retirement Community. They sincerely appreciated the opportunity to deepen old friendships and make many new ones while enjoying life together there for a little more than a year.

Remembering him with love are his dear wife of 62 years, Charis; his children: Brian and Jana, Ithaca, Michigan; Marla and Chris Buerge, Ithaca, Michigan; Richard, Middleton, Michigan; Amy and Jon Benson, Blaine, Maine; and Betsy and Wendell Unruh, Vermontville, Michigan; seventeen grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; his siblings: Norma Reimer, Larry and Marina Toews, Linda and Howard Toews, and Janet Toews; Charis's family: Lavonne and Don Gable, Jon and Deb Litwiller, and Jane and Newell Mininger; many nieces and nephews; and family friends: Brian and Marie Snider.

He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, three brothers, three brothers-in-law, and three sisters-in-law.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at 10:30 A.M. at the Newark Mennonite Church with Ministers Darin Litwiller, Michael Litwiller, and Keith Litwiller officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Tuesday from 2 P.M. to 4 P.M. and 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. Burial will take place at the Hayes Road Cemetery.