James William Stormont, 78, peacefully passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Niles, Michigan, surrounded by his loving family.
Jim was born on August 14, 1947, in Niles, Michigan to the late Gordon and Mary (Howe) Stormont. After 13 years of not being able to have a child, Mary fell off a stool while working at the Buchanan Post Office and nine months later, their little Jimmy was born.
So very sadly, Gordon passed away when Jim was only 8 months old. Mary later remarried and had two daughters – Jim’s sisters, Bonnie (Ray) Keigley and Rosemary (Wayne) Franks.
Over his life, Jim heard wonderful stories from his mom about his dad. Jim has told me he wants so much to meet his dad in Heaven.
Jim attended Niles Schools, but when his family moved, he went to and graduated from St. Joseph High School.
Jim enjoyed car races and he would race his 1966 Dodge Dart at Osceola and Martin Drag Strips. He also loved watching dirt track races and was a regular at Hartford Speedway on Friday nights.
Jim was always a very hard worker, beginning with working at a fruit stand as a youngster. In high school, he got a job in the warehouse at Coca-Cola in St. Joe. When he was old enough, he was given a route and he was a fantastic salesman; always treating his customers with respect and honesty – that was his character.
During his time at Coke, he was taking police courses at LMC. One day on his route, while at a gas station, he and the attendant were taken at gunpoint by two robbers; who forced them into their vehicle. They took them to a wooded area after driving for a while, where they were going to kill them. Being ahead of the robbers and having to cross a barbwire fence, Jim quietly told Al, “When we get over the fence, run!” So, when the robbers were trying to get over the fence, they ran down the ravine. While running, Jim was shot, the bullet hitting his upper arm.
I know his quick thinking saved his and Al’s life and yes, he still became a police officer.
This happened after Jim was married. On a beautiful spring night, April 8, 1967, Jim met a girl named Susan Neuman in the parking lot of Henry’s Hamburgers in Benton Harbor. I liked him right away; he had the kindest eyes and was so easy to talk to. He went home that night and told his mom he met the girl that he was going to marry, (he was a smart boy.)
We married just eight months later and our years were very blessed. During those years Jim became an officer with Chikaming Township Police Department and the last 24 years there he was the Chief. I’m so proud of him in all he did for the department and community.
After retirement, Jim and I were snowbirds in Florida for just five years. It was a great time, but there is no place like home. The years have been good but they’re gone too fast.
We have three wonderful children, Jim (Nila) Stormont, Heather (Jeff) Pisarsky, and Daniel (Jennifer) Stormont. Jim loved his children so much and was so proud of each of them.
We also have 7 grandsons, Caleb Stormont, Aiden Stormont, Eli Stormont, Jack Stormont, Austin (Alexis) Pisarsky, Matthew Pisarsky, and Justin Davis.
I am going to miss my good man so much; we all will, but I know I’ll see him again.
Jim’s favorite bible verse was in Romans, “If God is for us, who can be against us.” His favorite hymn was, “It is well with my soul.” Yes, it is, my Jim, thank you Jesus.
Written by Jim’s loving wife, Susan Stormont.
Jim was employed with the Coca-Cola Company from 1965 to 1981, was a Berrien County Animal Control Officer from 1981 to 1989, was hired as a part time police officer in December 1972, held the position of Patrolman and Sgt Lt FTO and in 1989 was promoted to Chief. Jim was a member of the Chikaming Township Public Safety Commission, Southwest Michigan Traffic Safety Committee and was the Co-Chairman from 1995 to 1996 and became the Chairman from 2000 to 2001. He was also a member of the Berrien County Police Services Council and was the Secretary/Treasurer from 1996 to 1997, member of the Local Emergency Planning Committee, Disaster Planning Committee, 911 Technical Committee, Chairman 911 Technical Committee from 2011 to 2014, 911 Advisory Board, resigned from the 911 Advisory Board in February of 2026, Michigan Association of Chief of Police, and retired from the police department in 2012.
Memorial contributions in honor of Jim may be made out to Yore Community Church General Fund.
Visitation for Jim will be on Saturday, May 16, 2026 from 10:00am to 11:00am with a Funeral Service to be held at 11:00am at Yore Community Church. Jim will be laid to rest privately at Silverbrook Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home.
Photos, condolences, and memories may be shared with Jim’s family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com
Services
Visitation
Saturday, May 16, 2026 10:00AM – 11:00AM
Yore Community Church, 2690 Yore Avenue, Sodus, MI 49126
Funeral Service
Saturday, May 16, 2026 11:00AM
Yore Community Church, 2690 Yore Avenue, Sodus, MI 49126