James "Jim" Lowell Drews

James (Jim) Lowell Drews, lovingly referred to as “Opa” to his family and friends, was born on May 24, 1940, in Starke County, Indiana. Jim attended Knox Community Schools and graduated in 1958. He enjoyed participating in cross country, basketball, and baseball. In high school, Jim was voted “Mr. Knox High School.” Years later, Jim was inducted into the Knox High School Athletic Hall of Fame. Jim ran cross country and earned a bachelor’s degree from Indiana Central University (University of Indianapolis) and his Master of Education from Indiana University. His teaching career included math, science, and physical education. He served as athletic director, principal, and coach of various sports. His favorite title was “Coach.” He enjoyed fishing and golfing with extended family and friends. With friends and family by his side, wearing their “Choose Drews” apparel, he was elected to serve in the Indiana State House of Representatives and enjoyed working with Dr. Otis Bowen. He teamed up with his wife to start multiple assisted living homes in Southeast Michigan where he served as Chief Financial Officer. This career led him to residency in Hillsdale, Michigan where he developed a love for Hillsdale College and their athletic events.

Opa married his high school classmate, Colleen Wireman Drews. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, friendship, and love. As a father of four, he found a way to build his career while continuing to lead his family in seeking a life built on faith and the pursuit of higher education. He was active in promoting these principles in any youth he encountered. He extended his teaching abilities to high school Sunday school classes and church youth groups.

His greatest joy came when he became “Opa” to 11 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. He was able to attend countless sporting events, school plays, graduations, vacations, and other school events. He loved taking the grandsons on the train to Chicago and other big cities to experience Major League Baseball games. He loved to brag that he was able to coach middle school football for some of his grandsons. He cherished each one of his grandchildren and left a legacy of family traditions and treasured memories that will live on for generations.

A born again Christian, Jim lived his faith through his service and generosity to others. He gave freely to faith-based causes, neighbors, and the communities with which he became involved. He had a beautiful singing voice and was in a barbershop quartet in high school. He used this talent to entertain residents in the assisted living homes and to glorify God by regularly singing for his Sunday school class and “concerts” for friends and family.

Jim and Colleen were blessed with a multitude of friends with whom they enjoyed playing card games, attending concerts, and eating great meals (many cooked by Colleen!).

Jim was preceded in death by his father, Theodore Carl Drews; his mother, Edna Hacker Drews; his sister, Shirley Drews Amond; and his loving wife, Mary Colleen Drews, whom he will now rejoin in Heaven. He is survived by his children, Ginny (Jim) Ingle; Jim II (Molly) Drews; John (Robyn) Drews; Missy (Jeff) Wilcox; his nieces, Kim Amond Wright, Rhonda Wireman Hawkins, and Amy Wireman Baker; his nephew, Doug Amond; and 11 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was very fond of his extended Kentucky family.

Jim’s legacy will live on in the family he loved so much and the many others he mentored and fostered. He will be remembered by many when they attend a sporting event at ballparks, gymnasiums, and athletic fields. Jim will be remembered when cheering on the Hoosiers and the White Sox. He will be deeply missed, but the memories he created will remain in the hearts he touched.

Those wishing to honor Jim’s memory are invited to contribute to the Northeast Indiana Fellowship of Christian Athletes. This organization supports leading the world to Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes; honoring Opa’s lifelong dedication to coaching, athletics, and most importantly: God’s ministry. To make a gift, please visit: my.fca.org and search for Chris Schaefer to enter your gift.