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Edna Marie Sprague

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Funeral Services:

Edna Marie (Erickson) Sprague, 92, of Charlotte, died peacefully on Friday, December 1, 2023. Edna was born March 30, 1931, in Milesville, SD, the daughter of Herman Carl and Iva Jane (Garlock) Erickson. She married Glen Burdette Sprague on September 26, 1954, at the Lutheran Church in Phillip, South Dakota. To this union were born three children, Linda, Jackie, and Kelly. She loved being a mother to them. In her early years, Edna worked at various cafes and restaurants in South Dakota and Iowa. Later in life she worked at the Litchfield School District cafeteria in Arizona. She and Glen moved their family to Arizona in 1968. She proudly earned her GED on May 21, 1970. She became a grandmother in 1975, eventually having ten grandchildren who brought her great joy. She babysat neighborhood children and grandchildren beginning in 1979 while their parents worked and eventually opened her home daycare in 1985. In 1989 she and Glen moved to the family farm in Iowa after Glen’s dad passed away. After Glen passed away in 2000, she stayed in the farmhouse for a few more years until the upkeep of the land became too much for her and she moved into an apartment in nearby Frederika, IA.

In the spring of 2005, she moved to Charlotte where she spent much of her time volunteering in service to others. Edna started volunteering at Hayes Green Beach Hospital in October of 2005 and continued for 16 years. From 2005 to 2020, she completed 103 lap afghans that she crocheted and donated to care centers. She also made and embroidered baby quilts for her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was a devoted Lutheran, mainly active at St. John Lutheran Church Circle in Iowa where each year she made numerous quilts to donate to the Children’s Cancer camp in Florida and Peace Lutheran in Charlotte. She also enjoyed baking, especially bread, cinnamon rolls, cookies and pies. She was especially known for making cookie filled Christmas wreaths made of cinnamon rolls that she gave to her children’s teachers, family and friends during the holidays. She loved her flowers (both inside and out) always making sure she had a hummingbird plant for the hummingbirds, along with her vegetable garden. She was always either tending them or canning and was once featured in the local newspaper with her enormous vegetables. Many will remember her for always looking for ways to help others.

Edna is survived by her daughters, Linda (Jim) Wall, Jacqueline “Jackie” (Gary) Crowe; son, Kelly (Sally) Sprague; grandchildren, Lesa (Gary) Wischmeyer, Jessica (Glen) Dever, Steven (Kendra) Andrews, Kimberly (Eric) Olsen, Scott (Shelly) Crowe, Elijah (Shannon Blanco) Sprague, Zac Sprague, Sarah (Robert) Goodwin, and Alixander Sprague; great-grandchildren, David, Alexis, and Nathan Wischmeyer, Jonathon Andrews, Sarah (Walter) Moore, Liz Kokaly, Katherine Dever, Michael Blanchard, Bailee Andrews, Adam Olsen, Auden Blanco, Elaina Warren Goodwin, Brayden Goodwin, and Brooklyn Goodwin; great-great-granddaughters, Aylah and Maya Moore; sister, Lydia Rowe; and numerous nieces and nephews and extended family. She was predeceased by her husband, Glen Sprague; grandson, Brian Andrews; great-grandchildren, Andrew Wischmeyer and Anastasia Wischmeyer; sister, Lillian Carlson; and brothers, Harvey Erickson, Eddie Erickson, Donald Erickson, Henry Stengel, and Robert Stengel.

Friends are encouraged to support Edna’s family by attending services or sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. on Monday, December 11 at Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte, MI. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Neil Brady officiating. The funeral will be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Edna’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to a charity dedicated to the treatment of Macular Degeneration. 1-888-MACULAR (1.888.622.8527). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Gary David Peterson

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Funeral Services:

Gary David Peterson of Tompkins Center, MI passed away peacefully at home on December 1, 2023, at the age of 81. Gary was born in Charlotte, MI, August 18, 1942, the son of Benjamin and Freda (Rebhan) Peterson. He was a 1959 graduate of Springport High School. Gary took first place in his county for the Dekalb Junior Two Acre Corn Growing Contest. He proudly served in the United States Army National Guard, based in Munich, Germany, where he operated the cargo trucks, Jeeps, and five-ton tractor trucks. Gary once told his family he got a ticket for going five miles over the speed limit on base, needless to say, he never did that again. He married the love of his life, Charlotte Hall in 1966. Gary worked for Nelson Tree Service for many years. He liked to hunt, fish, play the lottery and play his deuces wild tabletop game.

Gary is survived by his children, Sandi (Tim) Newman, Debbie (Jeff) Lonsbery, William Peterson; seven grandchildren; five great grandchildren; sister, Norma Binkowski and two nephews. He was preceded in death by, his parents and wife Charlotte Peterson in 2018.

Graveside services will be held at a later date. In memory of Gary, play a few dollars on the lottery. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.

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Dominga Perez Castaneda

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Funeral Services:

Dominga Perez Castaneda, age 93, of Charlotte, passed away peacefully at her home with her son by her side on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. She was born March 30, 1930, in Texas, the daughter of Juan Carlos and Francis (Gonzales) Perez. Dominga spent her younger years in Texas before moving to Michigan in the 1960’s. She adored her family and cherished each and every one of them. Spending time together with them brought her heart much joy. Dominga loved playing BINGO, traveling to the casinos, especially Las Vegas. She will be dearly missed by her family and many friends.

Dominga is survived by her children, Rosa Cook of Florida, Francis Corral of Chicago, IL, John Castaneda of Mulliken, Charles Castaneda of Charlotte; 14 grandchildren; and several great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Carlos in 1989; daughter, Bertha Quijas; siblings, Mary Belmares, Ray Perez, Joe Perez, and Ralph Perez.

In keeping with Dominga’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held.

Those desiring may make contributions in Dominga’s memory to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, www.lls.org.

To view Dominga’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.

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Linda L. Terry

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Funeral Services:

Linda L. Terry, 73, of Rockford, MI and formerly of Battle Creek, died December 1, 2023. Linda was born September 12, 1950, in Battle Creek to Lloyd and Jean (Siefke) Terry, Sr. She graduated from Bellevue High School in 1968 and went on to Michigan State University, where she graduated with two master’s degrees. Linda was a teacher for 40 years with the majority of her teaching career spent at Rockford Public Schools. She retired in 2008.

Linda enjoyed spending time in nature, especially working with flowers, and loved animals. She especially loved to go shopping. Every year she traveled to Mackinac Island for the “Somewhere In Time” weekend. Linda enjoyed traveling with her friends and visited many states, national parks, and countries over the years. She also attended different theater shows and concerts.

Linda is survived by her siblings, Lloyd (Susan) Terry, Jr., Mary Terry, Gail (Tom) Burd, Julie (Gary) Riegel and Annette Terry; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and cousins. She also leaves behind her special companions, her cats, Kallie and Kerby. She was preceded in death by her parents and her aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services to celebrate Linda’s life were held on Friday, December 8, 2023, at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, officiated by Rev. Linda D. Stoddard. Interment followed at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens. Memorial donations may be made to Operation Smile (cleft lip and palate organization) at www.operationsmile.org. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.

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Vaughn Karl Buchholz

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Funeral Services:

Vaughn Karl Buchholz, a cherished husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother, and friend, was called home on December 2, 2023, in Grand Ledge, MI, following a five-plus-year battle against pancreatic cancer. He was 65. Born on April 22, 1958, in Lansing, MI, he was a son to the late Harold and Betty (Reed) Buchholz and grew up to be a man of strength and character, touching the lives of all who knew him.

Vaughn’s life was a portrait of devotion, illustrated by his loving marriage of 43 years to his beloved wife, Debbie. Together, they raised two wonderful daughters, Tracy (Brian) Summers and Michelle (Garrett) Masters. His role as a grandpa was one he cherished deeply, and he shared an unbreakable bond with his granddaughters, Peyton and Regan (Summers), and Madison (Masters). He is also survived by his brother, Vance (Kristine) Buchholz; and his nephews, Brad (Christie) and Justin (Chelsea). He is preceded in death by his parents; and father and mother-in-law, Jim and Ruth VanWyk.

A proud graduate of Charlotte High School, Vaughn was a lifelong farmer who also dedicated 30 years of service to General Motors. Possessing a work ethic that never remained idle, it was in the simple things that Vaughn found the greatest joy—tinkering and fixing things, a testament to his knack for problem-solving and his desire to help others.

Vaughn was a man of faith, actively involved in the Grand Ledge Baptist Church. An avid admirer of God’s creation, Vaughn relished in the beauty of nature, whether it was farming, camping or taking the pontoon out on Gun Lake.

Vaughn never met someone who remained a stranger for long. His warm, inviting spirit drew people to him, and he had a unique ability to make anyone feel at home.

A Visitation was held Thursday, December 7, 2023, at the Mills Funeral Home, Peters & Murray Chapel, 301 E. Jefferson St., Grand Ledge. Funeral Service was held on Friday, December 8, 2023, at Grand Ledge Baptist Church, 1120 Willow Hwy, Grand Ledge with a lunch provided immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation to ProMedica Hospice, Eaton Special Riding Volunteer Association, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Vaughn Buchholz. Online condolences may be placed at www.millsfuneral.com.

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Mary Lee Buhs

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Funeral Services:

Mary Lee Buhs, a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend passed away at the age of 93 on November 26, 2023. She left behind a legacy of love and family that will forever be remembered by all that met her. Mary was born to William Estes and Eva Beula Mae Ozbun in Kane Illinois on May 20, 1930.

Mary met the love of her life, Marion Walter Buhs when the two of them were employed at Owens Illinois Glasswork (O.I.) in Alton, Ill. during the depression. They married on October 16, 1948 and had five children. They moved to Charlotte, Michigan in December of 1967 when Marion and Mary transferred to the Charlotte O.I. Plant. Mary retired from O.I after 30 years of employment and then became an entrepreneur by starting a Dog Grooming Business which she successfully managed for ten years.

Her family was her passion, and she leaves behind a sprawling family tree that includes five children, twelve grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren. Mary’s home was always filled with laughter and food as she enjoyed feeding anyone who came within the vicinity of her home, including the squirrels. She was famous for her homemade rhubarb pie. Mary Lee’s sharp wit and her not-safe-for work humor made her one of kind. She taught all her grandkids the importance of family and their first swear word. She always said what was on her mind and had the kindest heart and never let go of her southern soul.

Mary is survived by her children, Diana (Larry) Carter, Michael (Pam) Buhs, Vanessa Buhs (Michael Moran), and Alan Buhs; her grandchildren, Dameon (Jenni) Rohdy, Maggie Rohdy, Sadie Rohdy, Gabe (Becky) Carter, Mandy Brand, Lyndsay Carter, Caleb (Alison) Buhs, Audra (Paul) Birchmeier, Dayton (Alisha) Buhs, Nicole (Caleb) DeBattista, Monica (Jesse) Telfer, Jessica Buhs; 19 great -grandchildren; and her special friend, Cathy Reed.

Mary Lee is preceded in death by her son, Kevin (1969) and her husband, Marion (2013); her daughter–in-law Cristine Buhs; and her siblings, Gilbert Morris, Francis Woodring, William Edward Estes, Thomas Estes, Andrew Jackson Estes, Henrietta McRae, Donald Estes, and Betty Darr.

Everyone who loved Mary Lee feels comfort knowing that she is spending time with her son Kevin, her siblings and continuing the saga of loving, fighting, and making up with Marion again as only true soulmates can.

Per Mary’s wishes, there will be no service.

A donation in Mary’s memory to Helping Hands Food Pantry, 621 Jefferson St., Charlotte, MI 48813 in lieu of flowers would be appreciated.

To view Mary’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
The family is being served by the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.

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Marvel Rowena Wyble

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Funeral Services:

Marvel Rowena Wyble, a caring and loving friend and family member, died on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at the Hospice House of Mid-Michigan. Marvel, 102, was born on June 19, 1921, in Charlotte, MI, the daughter of James and Alfraetta (Smith) Robins. She created many lasting memories with the love of her life Rolland “Polly” Wyble until his passing in 1990. Marvel was a retired Line Worker from Wilcox Gay in Charlotte. She enjoyed spending time at the Eaton Area Senior Center. Marvel was very talented at crafting things, she known for taking junk and turning it into beautiful furniture and knick-knacks. Other hobbies that she enjoyed were, crocheting, knitting, needlepoint, quilting, and most importantly collecting dolls.

Marvel is survived by her nephew, Randy (Gretchen) Boehmer; caregivers, Joan Coolman, and Pat Simpson; and dear friend, Diane Triovola. She was predeceased by her husband Rolland “Polly; and special friend, Bernice.

Friends are encouraged to support Marvel’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. There will be no services held for Marvel at this time. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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Glenn Allen Mortimer

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Funeral Services:

Glenn Allen Mortimer was called home to his heavenly Father on November 24, 2023, at the age of 82. Born June 27, 1941, in Albion, MI, Glenn lived a life steeped in faith, compassion, and love, emblematic of a true servant of God.

Glenn was a skilled tool and die maker starting his career with Olofssons where he spent 15 years and later dedicating 30 years to General Motors, retiring in 2005. In retirement, he enjoyed camping trips, attending Charlotte Frontier Days, the Cedar Springs Red Flannel Festival, and breakfast outings with his friends and family. Glenn was also an avid reader and enjoyed spending time outdoors, taking in the beauty of his property in Eaton Rapids. He was a faithful member of Grace Baptist Church where he rarely missed a Sunday evening service.

He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Vickie Mortimer; and his two children, Brent (Bridget) Mortimer and Brenda (Kevin Rogers) Cain. Glenn was a proud grandfather of Austin (Justine) Mortimer, Evan Mortimer, Melinda Obrinski, Carly Shoemaker, Darla Mortimer and eleven great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his two sisters, Barbara Michalcewicz and Joan (Steven) Call. Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary Mortimer, and his granddaughter, Darcey Hayes.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. For those desiring memorial contributions may be made in his name to Grace Baptist Church. To share memories or leave online condolences please visit www.SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.

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Eldon Delos Howe

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Funeral Services:

Eldon Delos Howe, a pioneer in the automotive industry and a beloved pillar of the community, passed away on November 24, 2023, marking the end of an era. Born on September 4, 1930, to Chester and Beulah Howe in Charlotte, Michigan, Eldon was the last surviving of five brothers.

From his formative years, Eldon was intricately involved in the family’s grocery and service station business located at the intersection of Clinton Trail and Vermontville Highway. School didn’t align with Eldon’s passions, leading to a pivotal moment when, in elementary school, he sought refuge from the school bus in the garage’s oil pit. This incident became a turning point as Eldon’s affinity for mechanics emerged, eventually propelling him into the world of cars.

His father’s decision to put him to work at the filling station turned out to be serendipitous. Eldon’s adeptness at fixing cars led him to venture into car sales in 1947, at the remarkable age of 17. He became one of Michigan’s youngest car dealers. His dealership flourished under his guidance after being christened “The Beacon.”

Eldon’s dedication to his work was unparalleled. His unwavering commitment saw him laboring until November 15, 2023, despite being under hospice care. His love for vehicles extended beyond the showroom; he remained a licensed driver until the age of 93, showcasing his passion and resilience.

Eldon married Patricia Moreland in 1962 and together they raised their son David. Family was at the core of Eldon’s being. He cared for his parents while managing the market, actively engaged in his family’s pursuits, and maintained a strong family-centric ethos throughout his life. He embodied the belief that a robust work ethic was the cornerstone of success, a principle he instilled in his family.

Eldon’s community contributions were significant. He held profound respect for emergency and first responders, and supported both the Charlotte Fire Department, Eaton Area EMS and a supporting founder of AL!VE. He was also supportive of the welfare of his community. Despite his numerous accomplishments, Eldon remained humble, never having boarded an airplane, or taken a vacation. His dedication to Beacon Sales and Service was unwavering, evident in his mere ten days of work missed throughout his extensive 76-year career.

Known for his formidable spirit, Eldon was an avid debater on politics and various topics. His love for reading spanned diverse subjects, and his encyclopedic knowledge of car makes, and models was impressive. He harbored affection for animals, especially the family’s lineage of dogs, and in his later years found solace in observing and feeding birds.
Eldon’s resilience was evident when, at 87, he overcame a grievous injury, a testament to his indomitable spirit and work ethic. His legacy is etched in the hearts of those who knew him, a legacy of determination, wisdom, and kindness.
He is survived by his beloved son, Dave and his wife Eldora; granddaughters, Erron Sparks (Mick Bazaire) and Keisha Howe (Brian Miller); great-grandchildren, Ty Pion, Brooke (Daniel) Miller, Caiden Bailey, Brody Miller, and Izzy Miller; nephews, Ron Howe and Don Howe; niece, Annette Florence; close family friend and caretaker, Dawn Howlett; loyal employees; and his four-footed companion Shiloh II. Eldon was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Pat; four brothers, Menzo, Garland, Bart, and Louis; and five furry four-footed friends, Ginger I, Ginger II and Ginger III, Babe, and Shiloh I.
The stories and “legends” of Eldon Delos Howe will endure through the generations. He will be deeply missed and remembered fondly by all whose lives he touched.

Visitation was Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home. Funeral services were Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor John Bailey officiating. Interment followed in Maple Hill Cemetery. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories on Eldon’s Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Eldon D. Howe’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Charlotte Fire Department Christmas Kiddies. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.

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James Dunn, Jr.

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Funeral Services:

James Woodrow Dunn, Jr., 86, of Charlotte, Michigan passed peacefully into the arms of his waiting Savior Wednesday, November 22, 2023.

A devoted husband and father, James (Jim) was married to Janet (Cole) for nearly 70 years. They raised three children of whom he was very proud. The family travelled the country with their pop-up camper, eventually visiting 46 of the 48 continental states. They often camped in Michigan, too, especially enjoying a favorite fishing spot in Mesick and visits to Hartwick Pines.

He was proud to have coached his son Jim’s Peewee League baseball team for several years and he loved to roam the sidelines of Charlotte High School football games, especially when Jim was on the team.

James retired from Fisher Body, Lansing, having risen from line worker and union rep through promotion to supervisor.
He was born May 21, 1937, in Greene County, Tennessee to James Woodrow and Loretta (Ball) Dunn. He had two sisters and two brothers. The family moved to Michigan, and he attended school in Lansing until 8th grade when a move to West Windsor put him in the Charlotte school district. It was there that he and Janet met and fell in love. A couple of years later, when his family moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, they continued their courtship long distance until Janet took the train there in December of 1953 and they were married January 10, 1954. Soon, they moved to Lansing and James started working at Fisher Body June 1, 1955.

Shortly after their first child, Cheryl, was born in 1958 they moved to Charlotte where they remained for the rest of James’s life. Daughter Carrie (Smith) was born in 1960 and son James Woodrow Dunn III was born in 1962. Family life over the years included long Sunday drives, morel mushroom hunting in the spring, summer frolics in the backyard pool and large, prolific gardens every year from which the family ate all year long.

James and Janet travelled extensively after their kids left home. They went to Hawaii to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. They drove cross-continent to Alaska in their van over several weeks, and they wintered in Port Charlotte, Florida for many years. They finished the 47th and 48th continental states, so that they could say they’d been in every one of the United States.

The special pride and joy of grandparenting came to James’s life in 1988 when Curtis Kalleward was born, followed in 1990 by James Woodrow Dunn IV, Sarah Dunn in 1994 and Eliza Bychek in 1997. James and Janet reveled in numerous outings with their grands through the years—visiting zoos and museums, going camping, fishing, playing games and reading endless stories. In 2020, James delighted in becoming a great grandpa to Elizabeth Dunn and to Coulson Kalleward in 2021.

James was proud of the life he built with his family and the relationships he maintained with his extended family. He regularly attended Chester Gospel Church and believed deeply in the salvation of Christ, as learned from his beloved mother, Loretta.

James was preceded in death by his parents, James and Loretta (Ball) Dunn and sisters, Joyce Norton and June Haynes. He is survived by his wife, Janet (Cole), daughters, Cheryl Dunn Bychek, Carrie Smith (Steve) and son, Jim (Cheryl). Also surviving are brothers, MC (Maxine) and Jerry (Cordelia); aunts, Geneva (Ball) Foshee and Charlene (Hayes) Ball; grandchildren, Curtis Kalleward (Celeste), Jimmy Dunn (Theresa), Sarah Dunn and Eliza Bychek; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Dunn and Coulson Kalleward and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation took place on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. A memorial service was held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 30 at Pray Funeral Home. Memorial donations may be made in James’s memory to Chester Gospel Church, Charlotte, Michigan. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Jim’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone).

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