Ewart J Hart Jr.

Ewart Jerome (EJ) Hart, age 76, of Plainwell, Michigan, passed away in Kalamazoo, Michigan on April 10, 2024. He was born on July 9, 1947, in Muskegon, Michigan to Ewart Hart Sr. and Patricia Hart. 

EJ graduated from Portage Central High School in 1965 and soon after married his high school sweetheart, Audrey Thomas. He pursued his education at Western Michigan University, where he earned a Master's Degree in International Business. EJ and Audrey settled in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where they welcomed their two daughters, Erin and Nikki. While in Kalamazoo, EJ worked at Jud Knapper's clothing store and Newhouse Printers Supply. 

The family later moved to Madison, Wisconsin until his father passed away in 1981. They returned to Michigan and EJ took over the family business, Hart's Jewelry, in Plainwell. A passionate jeweler, EJ delighted customers with unique designs and special pieces. 

EJ was deeply involved in Plainwell community affairs. He coached his daughters' soccer teams, tended goal as part of an adult soccer club, and served with the Downtown Development Association. In his free time, he enjoyed bicycling to South Haven and his yearly “Tour da Up” rides. Alongside Audrey, he supported Sylvia's Place, a shelter for women and children as well as the The O'Leary Foundation, an organization dedicated to the support of programs in human services, education and health care initiatives. 

EJ was preceded in death by his parents, Ewart and Patricia Hart, and his wife, Audrey Hart. 

He is survived by his sister, Judy Labs (Doug), daughters Erin Bolda (Chris) and Nikki Hart-Brinkley (Matthew), grandsons Damien Hutton, Ethan Bolda, Jeremy Bolda, and Elliot Brinkley, niece Beckie Labs, and nephew Charlie Labs. 

A visitation to celebrate EJ's life will be held at Winkel Funeral home in Otsego, Michigan on Monday, April 22nd from 4pm - 7pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of EJ may be made to Sylvia's Place. 

Messages of condolence may be posted at www.WinkelFuneralHome.com.