Under his guidance in the 60's, 70's and 80's, the city parks system had significant growth and a significant impact on the City of South Bend. Major projects include: building Boehm Park on the East side, Belleville Park on the West side, the Ice Box, a major renovation of Potawatomi Zoo in 1979, the opening in 1984 of the East Race Way, and the opening of Coveleski Stadium in 1985. Jim received “Keys to the City” from Mayors Jerry Miller, Roger Parent, and Joe Kernan. In Jim's honor, Mayor Roger Parent and the board of park commissioners named the park adjacent to the East Race Way “Seitz Park.” Jim retired in 1988 after serving the city for over 25 years -- 18 years as South Bend's park superintendent.

sister, Jean Seitz, deceased.