James "Jim" Louis Sennett

James "Jim" Louis Sennett, 92, of Michigan City, passed away on Sunday, March 7, 2021 at his home, surrounded by his family.

Jim was born on November 15, 1928 in South Bend, IN, to Dr. Cecil M. and Electa (Halbruge) Sennett.

Remembering Jim, as one who loved the Lord, his wife, and family, and had a special heart for those with addictions.  He will be missed by many.

Jim was husband to Diane Kay Sennett and father to Kristopher James Sennett, who married Tami Sennett in 2000.  Another large part of his heart went to his 3 grandchildren, Carlie, Kelsey, and Keaton Sennett.  Other beloved family members include cousins, Bob and JoAnn Sennett of Warsaw and brother-in-law, Dennis Hippensteel of Michigan City.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Barbara Louise Sennett.

Jim's education included a Bachelor of Science degree in Administration from Hillsdale College.  He followed that with Masters degrees in Business Administration and Education from the University of Western New Mexico and a Master's degree in Elementary Education from Valparaiso University.

Jim had a heart for teaching.  Every student that entered his classroom was special.  His teaching career began in JacksonTownship as a 7th grade teacher before he went on to teach 8th grade at Long Beach.  He became Assistant Principal at Krueger Junior High in Michigan City, a science teacher at Krueger Junior High, and a science teacher and Department Head at Barker Junior High.  Jim finished his career as a 5th and 6th grade teacher at Edgewood Elementary School.

Jim always felt the need to contribute.  He developed an oceanography curriculum for Junior High and an elementary Drug and Alcohol curriculum for upper elementary.  Jim was a member of the North Central Association and the educational Phi Delta Kappa.  He was a past President for the Michigan City Education Association and a past American Legion Commander in Westville.  Jim served on the bargaining team for teachers' contraction.  He loved attending the First Church of God, La Porte.

He loved to play golf, having grown up playing with his father.  Jim shot his age -- 80 at 80.

Jim never quit experiencing life.  Later in life, he became part of the National Ski Patrol, teaching school groups to ski at Swiss Valley in Michigan.  He was one of the first veterans to participate in the Veteran's Program at Reins Of Life, where he was honored to receive riding lessons, which put a spark back into his life.  Jim had planned riding lessons just for him.  Jim also was an usher for Notre Dame football for 10 years.  He was an avid runner, who especially loved running on Mackinac Island.

Jim proudly served his country during the Korean War.

A Celebration of Life Service with Full Military Honors will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 13, 2021, at Cutler Funeral Home. Private burial will take place at Swan Lake Cemetery, Michigan City.

A time of visitation will be held from 11 a.m.until the time of the service on Saturday at the funeral home.

Due to the recent Governor's Order, anyone attending the visitation and/or service is required to wear a mask and practice social distancing of six feet.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Jim's honor to Dunes Hospice, 4711 Evans Ave., Valparaiso, IN 46383; Reins of Life, 9375 W. 300 N., Michigan City, IN 46360; or First Church of God, 2020 E. Lincolnway, La Porte, IN 46350.

Condolences may be shared with the family on www.cutlercares.com.