Jim Gunn Obituary

Jim Gunn, 87, of St. Joseph, passed away, Monday, July 28, 2025 at his home.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 4:00 P.M. Sunday, August 3, 2025 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Rev. Nick Lesch officiating. Friends may visit with the Family from 2:00 until 4:00 P.M. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorial donations in Jim’s name may be made to The Salvation Army in Benton Harbor. Those wishing to sign Jim’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.

Jim was born February 3, 1938 in Liverpool, Ohio to Earl & Edith Gunn. After moving to Benton Harbor, he graduated from Benton Harbor High School, Class of 1957. In 1972, Jim purchased Beaudoin Electrical Constuction, Inc. which he operated until selling the company to the employees in 2022. Jim outlasted all his original competitors, remaining on the board and maintaining his position as CEO. On May 19, 1973, he married the former Charlene Masters at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in Sodus. Jim devoted his time to his work, but when he had free time, he enjoyed watching NASCAR while relaxing in his recliner, tending to his lawn and keeping an eagle-eye on the neighborhood. He was a member of the National Electrical Contractors Association where he made many friends and obtained the greatest number of years as a member. He will be deeply missed by his loving family and friends too numerous to mention.

Jim is survived by his wife Char; his children-Ron (Tammy) Gunn of Sodus, Kimberly (James) Billings of St. Augustine, FL; seven grandchildren-Tara (Sean) Spurier, Ricky (Brandy) Huff, Jessica (Kyle) Erlacker, Robert Gunn, Laura (Cameron) Gunn, Jennifer (Lance) Hazen, Geoff (Mercedes) Burnside; great-grandchildren-Chloe, Kaia, McKenna, Willow, Oakley, Savannah, Sierra, Keegan, Liat, Bella & Grayson; and several nieces & nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his daughter Cheryl Annette Gunn-Harpole, his parents, two sisters-Jean Dively & Mary Nemethy; and a brother Earl Wayne Gunn.