James Joseph Driscoll III

James Joseph Driscoll III, 76, of Paw Paw, passed away Thursday, September 12, 2024 at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo.

He was born November 18, 1947 in La Junta, Colorado, the son of James Driscoll Jr. and Agnes (Arnold) Driscoll.

James or Jim (as he was commonly known) was involved in theatre throughout his life, performing in numerous productions in college and for multiple community theatre groups. He acted and directed for the Paw Paw Village players and served as the head of their board. He had a knack and passion for music, having been in a band in his youth and was a talented guitar player. He knew nearly every lyric to almost all the songs of his generation. James was highly intelligent and an avid reader, building a deep knowledge of a wide range of subjects over his life and he delighted in sharing stories and telling jokes. During his youth, he was heavily involved in Boy Scouts and Koshares Indian group where he performed traditional Native American dances all across the United States. James spent most of his adult life in agriculture, culminated in him designing, and overseeing the construction of the largest pickle tankyard in the US. He would go on to manage this facility until his retirement. He was a relentless worker and walking encyclopedia of expert knowledge on the processes, machinery and business of pickles. Above all, James loved and cherished his family and friends and was a beloved member of the community. He is survived by the love of his life, Christine (Messick) Driscoll, whom he met while they attended the University of Colorado. They both graduated with degrees in English.

He is also survived by his sons, James "Josh" (Katie) Driscoll IV and Justin (Jessica) Driscoll; two grandchildren, Madeline Mackenzie Driscoll and Liam James Driscoll; brother, David (Cindy) Driscoll, the "daughter he never had", Amanda Bartlett, many nieces and nephews and best friend, whom he often shared a walk and a cocktail with, Vicki Roberts.

James was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Linda Corbin and LuAnne Petramala; father-in-law, William Messick and mother-in-law, Elsie Messick.

Cremation has taken place. There will be a private family service to honor James' life at a later date.

The family would like to extend their thanks to Bronson ICU for their exceptional care of James during his final days.