Read James Michael Bessmer's Obituary & Leave Condolences

In memory of

James Michael Bessmer

Cassopolis, MI, USA

November 21, 1953 - June 16, 2021

Nov 21, 1953 - Jun 16, 2021

In lieu of flowers

Please consider a donation to Jim Bessmer Memorial Fund.

Learn more & give
Help keep everyone in the know by sharing this memorial website.

Share

Photo

James Michael Bessmer of Cassopolis, Michigan, died on June 16, 2021 after a brief illness.

Jim was born on November 21, 1953 to Helen Louise (Roe) Bessmer and Hal Carlton Bessmer in Elkhart, Indiana. He attended school in Edwardsburg, Michigan and Elkhart. On June 26, 1976, he married Jean Marie Valentine in Edwardsburg. He is survived by Jean and their daughter, Rachel Bessmer of Brooklyn, New York; a brother David Bessmer (Leigh Wietsma) of Interlochen, Michigan; cousins Sue Bessmer of Zionsville, Indiana and Linda Bessmer of Mishawaka, Indiana and many other relations, in-laws and friends.

Jim made much of his living as an automotive painter, but his true vocation was music. He was a virtuoso rock and roll guitar player and a good singer. In the early years of their marriage Jim and Jean, a fine singer herself, played professionally and toured with bands based in Toledo, Ohio, Bowling Green, Kentucky, and in bands in the Michiana area. For many years his high-school-era band Snapper reunited to play benefits and parties in the Edwardsburg area. Rachel was born in 1993, and when she was in her teens, the three of them began 10 years of performing together at local restaurants and events as the Bessmer Family Band, as Rachel blossomed into a wonderfully talented singer. Jean and Rachel, the lights and loves of his life, were at his side to the end.

Over his 50-year performing career Jim’s playing brought joy to thousands of music fans, and he was loved and admired by his bandmates and friends for his talent and skill, his big heart, his sense of humor, his intelligence and his gentle spirit.

In Jim’s honor, and to help secure his family’s future, relatives have set up a Jim Bessmer Memorial Fund at this address: https://gofund.me/7c70350e

Order a beautiful PDF you can print and save or share.

Get the PDF

Get notified when new photos, stories and other important updates are shared.

Please consider a donation to Jim Bessmer Memorial Fund.

$250.00

of $100,000 goal

2.5 %

Learn more & give