9-23-2019 10:16am

James Drenning, Technology Entrepreneur, Loved Entertaining and Laughter

James Drenning, 80, of Saline, MI, passed away peacefully at home, on Thursday, September 19, 2019 with his family by his side. Jim was born on May 9, 1939 to the late Robert Paul Drenning and the late Margaret Howland (Boyles) Drenning in Altoona, Pennsylvania. During the summer of 1965 he met Betty Joyce Chavis in Baltimore, and they married 3 months later. They had just celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary.

Jim is survived by Betty, his children, Marc (Nancy) Drenning of Saline, and Brooke (Jerry) Darby of Stillwater, Minnesota. He was also immensely proud of his five grandchildren: Marcus Darby (20), Ethan Darby (18), Eliza Darby (16), Penelope Drenning (12) and Beau Drenning (11). Jim came from a loud and loving family that consisted of the late Rick (Connie) Drenning, Kenneth (Jeanne) Drenning, David (Cheryl) Drenning, John Drenning and Mary Ann Drenning (Lind) Young.

He was a beloved friend, son, brother, father, uncle and grandfather.

Jim was proud of his Altoona, PA upbringing and would tear up at the fond memories of his happy childhood on Ruskin Drive. He continued to be Pennsylvania proud earning a Mechanical Engineering degree from Penn State University and a MBA in Finance from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. He would go on to be a business executive and then an entrepreneur, starting three technology companies in the Ann Arbor area. Jim loved entertaining, telling stories, playing cards, being the life of the party, and a well-crafted Martini or Manhattan (depending upon the day).

He was a “more and merrier” person and enjoyed revelry and laughter with all those that he loved. Many wonderful times were spent with family and friends during the 30+ years of vacationing in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and the 40+ years of relaxing at Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. He was an avid reader, popular music connoisseur, traveler, learner, car fanatic and lover of history. Saturdays in the fall were a special joy as he relished in college football; loving the Michigan Wolverines, but reserving top honor for his beloved Penn State Nittany Lions.

Sundays were reserved for the Detroit Lions and his hometown team, the Pittsburgh Steelers. If you walked by the house during these days, you were sure to have heard the cheering and yelling. Above all, Jim was known for his unwavering love for his family, undying confidence, positive and uplifting nature, and his generous spirit. His smile lit every room he entered. Each day he will be missed.

The Drenning/Darby family will receive friends and family at the Robison-Bahnmiller Funeral Home in Saline on Friday, September 27, 2019 from 2:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. with a memorial service at 4:00P.M. Afterward, there will be a gathering at Marc and Nancy’s house. Memorial contributions in Jim’s name may be made to The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation or Saline Social Services and envelopes will be available at the funeral home. To leave a memory you have of Jim, to sign his guestbook, to leave a memory, or for directions please visit www.rbfhsaline.com.