James K. Bly
James Kay Bly, a big hearted and very stubborn man, died August 30, 2021, at his home in Forestville, Mich. Born in Charlotte on June 4, 1969, to John K. and Brenda K. (Beck) Bly, he grew up in the town and graduated from Charlotte High School. At the age of 12, Jimmy was diagnosed with diabetes, and at the time it was very unusual for someone diagnosed so young to live beyond their 20’s, but he was a dedicated soldier in fighting diabetes and fought the odds to live a very full life.
Always free-spirited, James loved the outdoors and lots of activities that would take him there. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and cooking on the campfire, and riding his Harley motorcycle. Old Westerns with John Wayne were his favorite movies. James was also an extremely patriotic person and proud to be an American. He owned Jimmy B’s Flooring and over the years also worked in a lumber yard, worked as a machinist, and was a brick maker. The kind of man that would give you the shirt off his back, James was a very genuine man with a lot of love to share.
James was a loving father, dedicated husband, and beloved son and will be greatly missed by his family. He is survived by his wife, Amy; son, Scott Bly (Kara Johnson); granddaughter, Taeah; parents, John and Brenda Bly; brother, John K. (Lisa) Bly II; in-laws, Daniel (Pamela) Jorae; and close friends, Mavis, Gary (Yvette), Will, and Fred (Danielle). He was predeceased by his grandparents.
Friends are encouraged to support the family by attending services or sharing memories on James’ tribute page at prayfuneral.com. Funeral services were held Friday, September 3, at 11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home with Pastor Tom Jones officiating. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to prayfuneral.com, click on James’ tribute, then click on photos and videos from your computer (or media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (jdrf.org). The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.