Michael, James Joseph, Wednesday, May 20, 2009, entered peacefully into his eternal rest. Born November 4, 1927, in Waukesha, WI, he graduated from Waukesha High School in 1945. He received his Masters of Divinity from Concordia Seminary, Springfield in 1953, and was called to a church in Madison, WI. While there, he received a Masters Degree in Hebrew and Old Testament Studies from the University of Wisconsin. In 1960 he joined the faculty at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, teaching Hebrew and Old Testament. He was also appointed director of the Seminary Library, and in this position he was inspired to further his knowledge of how to properly administer a library. He received a Masters of Library Science from the University of Illinois in 1963. In 1968 he was asked to join the staff of St. Louis Public Library as Supervisor of Branches. Following this position, he was promoted to Supervisor of the Main Library. He was instrumental in developing the online automated system for the Library, and in 1978 joined Data Research Associates as Vice President and Library Consultant. During his years there, he traveled extensively, advising librarians and selling library systems throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, and England.

A man of many interests and talents, for many years Jim was an actor with various theatre groups, including Theatre Guild of Webster Groves, West End Players, and Theatre Project Company, among others. He especially enjoyed the times he appeared onstage with Dina, his wife of 40 years.

His greatest joy was in teaching, whether from the pulpit, the classroom, or in Bible classes, and in witnessing to his faith in God.

Besides his wife, Dina, survivors include a son, Joel Michael (Sandy), of Shrewsbury; daughter Genny Schumacher (Dean), of Des Peres; granddaughters Kaitlyn and Kelsey Schumacher. He was preceded in death by his elder son, James Daniel Michael.