James "Jim" Pyott Chase, age 93, of Three Rivers, Michigan, passed away peacefully at his home on July 2, 2026 surrounded by his family, following a short illness.

Jim was born on July 4, 1932, in Oak Park, Illinois, the son of Leslie and Mary (Pyott) Chase. He proudly served his country in the United States Army. Although he remained stateside during his military service, his exceptional cooking skills made him an invaluable asset to the United States Army.

On July 16, 1983, Jim married, Patricia Barnes, at the First United Methodist Church in Three Rivers, Michigan. Together they shared over four decades of marriage filled with faith, family, and love.

Jim was a skilled electrician throughout his career. He worked for Owens of Illinois for 12 years and later for Lear for five years before retiring in 1995. Retirement allowed him to devote more time to his family, especially helping care for his daughter, Joanne.

A gifted craftsman, Jim had a lifelong passion for woodworking. He handcrafted much of the furniture in his home and even built beautiful violins. His love of music was equally remarkable, and he especially enjoyed classical music, with Richard Wagner among his favorite composers.

Jim also cherished the simple joys of farm life. Having studied animal husbandry in school, he fulfilled a lifelong dream later in life by owning a home and property, where he embraced the rural lifestyle he had always loved.

His faith was the cornerstone of his life. Jim faithfully served his churches for decades, holding leadership positions on various church boards. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Three Rivers, where he faithfully served as the church's sound technician.

His love of sound engineering extended far beyond the church. Early in his career, Jim worked as a sound engineer for RCA, where he assisted with recordings for legendary artists including the Rolling Stones, Julie Andrews, Glen Yarbrough, and many others. He also treasured friendship with Micky Dolenz of The Monkees.

Above all else, Jim was devoted to his family. He was a loving husband, a dedicated stepfather who lovingly raised his stepchildren, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. He was was both stern and fair. His wisdom, integrity, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia "Pat" Chase of Three Rivers; his children, Joanne (Paul) Vosburg of Three Rivers, Connie (Dave) Lefebvre of Florida, Linda (Jeff) Tedrow of Texas, Debbie (Nick) Scott of Georgia, Kim (Jesse Smith) Thomas of Middleville, Michigan, and Chuck (Amy) Guiter of Three Rivers; 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; two stepsisters; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Mary Chase; Grand Daughter: Chole Guiter; his brothers, Bill Chase and Les Chase; his sister, Mary Chase; and his former wife, Betty Chase.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Three Rivers, Michigan. A funeral service celebrating Jim's life will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church with the Reverend Derl Keefer officiating. Cremation will follow the service.

Memorial donations may be made in Jim's memory to the First United Methodist Church of Three Rivers.

Ray Funeral Services has been entrusted with Jim's care. 

Please visit www.rayfuneralservices.com to gather and share in Jim's Memory.