James Henry Noyes II
James Henry Noyes II of Eaton Rapids, passed away July 15, 2024, at the age of 82. Jim was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on December 14, 1941, the son of Robert Verrel and Retha (Magnusson) Noyes. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School, class of 1960, attended Ferris State in Commercial Art, and graduated from Western Michigan University in 1972. He later went on to obtain his master’s in education from Michigan State University. Jim served in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1963 in the Berlin buildup. He was a member of the Kalamazoo County Water Safety and Recovery Association as well as the Kalamazoo Scuba Diving Denizens who volunteered for the county. Jim was a Commercial Artist for Clearwater Associates in Kalamazoo and Perrigo Company in Allegan before becoming the woodshop teacher at Eaton Rapids Middle School. He is remembered for teaching students how to read a ruler and for establishing Noyes’ Knotheads, a group of outstanding students who helped maintain and improve the school by building benches, display cases, shelving, repairing desks and chairs, and paneling the conference room. During his time at Eaton Rapids Public Schools he led the Middle School Cross-Country Ski Club, co-founded the Middle School Space Camp program, was a Boy Scout leader, and soccer coach. Jim’s love for aviation led him to fulfill his dream of owning a hot air balloon and becoming a Balloon Pilot. Once he retired, Jim volunteered for the Kalamazoo Air Zoo in the aircraft Restoration Department. He was a member of the St. Peter Catholic Church, he sang in the choir and was a religious education teacher. One of Jim’s greatest gifts was his artistic talent. He loved to paint, draw, and build beautiful furniture and woodworkings. Jim was also a passionate photographer and could always be seen with a camera in his hand. He loved to gift his creations to his friends, family and community. He created the wooden Oakwood Cemetery sign and Welcome to Eaton Rapids signs that can be found on the boundaries of town.
Jim’s most precious joy was his family. The love he had for his wife, children and grandchildren surpassed all else. Jim is survived by his wife, Barbara (Curran) Noyes of Eaton Rapids; sons, Jon (Yu Man Lee) Noyes, Jerry (Chrissie) Noyes; grandchildren, Keenan (Taylor), Connor, Caitlyn, Robert and Caylee Noyes, several nieces, nephews, cousins, and the Curran clan. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother and sister-in-law, Robert William and Marie Noyes.
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Peter Catholic Church on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 11 a.m. with Fr. Alan Wakefield presiding. Visitation was held at Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel on Friday July 26, 2024, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. as well as one hour prior to the mass at St. Peter Catholic Church. Interment will be in Rosehill Cemetery immediately following the mass. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans or St. Vincent de Paul of Eaton Rapids in loving memory of James Henry Noyes. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.