James S. Ogilvie, age 76 of Grand Rapids, MI formerly of Manistee, passed away Monday, July 18, 2022.
He was born May 15, 1946, in Ironwood, MI, the son of Dr. Gordon & Doris (Johnson) Ogilvie. Jim attended both Guardian Angels and Jefferson Elementary Schools and graduated from Warrensburg High School in Warrensburg, MO in 1964 as an honor student. He was an All-Conference and All-State basketball player, and All-Conference football player at Manistee High School. Jim is a member of the Manistee High School Sports Athletic Hall of Fame. Jim played basketball at Central Michigan University, where he graduated in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree in education. He was President of Phi Sigma Epsilon Fraternity at CMU in 1967.
Prior to his retirement, of 45 years in education he was a teacher, coach of varsity basketball at both Forest Hills Northern and Northview High Schools; was an assistant principal at Northern Hills Middle and Central Middle at Forest Hills Public Schools; and was a principal at East Grand Rapids Middle School for 11 years. Jim was selected as Principal of the Year in 1994 by the MAMSE Organization. The last 14 years of his career was spent at National Heritage Academies in Grand Rapids.
Jim was an avid golfer who was a member of the Manistee Golf & Country Club, Cascade Country Club & Kent Country Club, and a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge in Manistee. He attended both Guardian Angels and St. Joseph Divine Mercy Churches in Manistee. Upon retirement he helped with basketball at M.H.S. and organizing basketball clinics at the Armory Youth Project. Jim spent time in both Grand Rapids and Manistee.
He is survived by his son, Jimmy “O” (His best buddy in life); daughter, Mary Jane Ogilvie “MJ”; and their mother, Jane Ogilvie; granddaughter, Madison Marie Ogilvie “Mad”; special friend, Penny Ozdych; sister, Jean (Jim) Frink; brothers, Jon (Margaret) Ogilvie, & Robert (Steve Tate) Ogilvie; nephews, Jimmy (Susie) Frink, Scott (Candis) Ogilvie, Doug (Debbie) Ogilvie; nieces, Janie Frink, Erin (Nick) Bischoff, Kristen (DJ) Simpson; great-nephews, Luke Frink, Tommy Ogilvie, Harrison Bischoff, Davis Ogilvie, Caden Simpson; and great-nieces, Kyleigh Frink, Claire Ogilvie, Peyton, & Riley Simpson.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Gordon, and Scott Ogilvie; and nephew, Johnny Ogilvie. Visitation will be held 2-4pm & 6-8pm Saturday, July 23, 2022, at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 and 4-6pm Sunday, July 24, 2022, at Herbert Funeral Home, 706 Kosciusko St, Manistee, MI 49660. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00am Monday, July 25, 2022, at Guardian Angel Catholic Church, 371 5th St, Manistee, MI 49660, where the family will greet visitors at 10:00am. Interment will be at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Manistee, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to Special Olympics, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859, or The David Petersen “Rudy” Scholarship at https://www.sabers.org/_files/ugd/6179ec_ea6e75be57d045ed840fc397773f4479.pdf
Family asks that in honor of Jim, please wear your favorite baseball or golf hat.
8 Responses
Mr. Ogilvie was the pricipal at EGR middle school when I was a student there in the 90s. He extended great kindness to me & I’ve always remembered him for that. My prayers and sincere condolences to his family.
I pledged Phi Sigma Epsilon fraternity at CMU in the fall of 1967 and Jim was one of the major reasons I did so. He was an iconic personality there. I have only encountered Jim three times since our days at CMU and each meeting was marked with the same sense of genuine brotherhood. It with sadness that I wish the family to know I am affected in their grief.
Art Wakeley, Cheboygan, Michigan
I will always remember our great leader with reverence and gratitude. I remember at phi sig reunions there was always a smile on Jim’s face and he always made time to talk to everyone. When our daughter passed away, jim was the first person who called me and expressed his sincere condolences. He will be greatly missed and I believe he is in heaven with God and his savior Jesus christ.
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A great friend and role model. I consider myself very fortunate to have been his friend for many years. Our communication has been ongoing for the last 10 years and I am truly going to miss his intelligence and wit.
My memories will far outweigh the sadness that I feel.
RIP Oggs ????❤️
So sorry to hear about your Dad. You and your family our in our thoughts and prayers
I thought that Jim and Bernie were the core of our fraternity .Now both are gone. What an athlete.
Having worked with both Jim and Jane, I am deeply saddened by Jim’s passing. Jim went out of his way to recognize all those that came into contact with him with a kind word or smile. Jim was truly the definition of a great teacher, administrator, coach, and human being. May you Rest in peace. You have definitely made a difference in this world, Jim.
Dear MJ, I condolences to you and your family on your dad’s passing.
He was a remarkable educator. May his joy for others continue to live on in you.