James Max Long, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. and seasonal resident of Montague, Mich., passed away on October 23, 2020 at the age of 75. Jim was born on November 18, 1944 in Lansing, Mich., the son of Max and Beverly (Sadler) Long (while his father was overseas serving in James M. Long the China-Burma-India Theater of WWII). Jim grew up living at Duck Lake and in Eaton Rapids. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School after the birth of his daughter in 1963 and attended Lansing Community College. As a young man he worked at his family’s business, Farmer’s Warehouse, and continued working in the farming/produce industry with many local farmers, eventually becoming a produce broker.
Surviving are his wife of 23 years, Leslie; daughter, Shelli; granddaughters, Margeaux (Will) Wing, Maci (Matthew) Mc-Namara, and Morgan (Ryan) Wing; great granddaughters, Vaida, Norah and Claira McNamara; step-granddaughter, Adriana Wing; nephew, David Long; niece, Mary (Bryan) Crandall; sisters-in-law, Laura (Patrick) Marutiak, and Lisa (Steven DeDoes) Emmer; nephew, Mattias DeDoes; and extended family members. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, David; son, Philip; and mother-in-law, Sallie Emmer.
Jim was known for his love of being on the water and all things adventurous (motorcycles, downhill skiing, guns, and many other things we can’t mention here). His younger years were spent growing up at Duck Lake where he enjoyed all wa-ter sports and then racing C-Scows in the summer (his daughter crewing with him), ice boating in the winter, and later on his 30’ sailboat, the Duck, on White Lake/Lake Michigan from the marina in Montague. He loved reminiscing on his trips to Alaska and Costa Rica and was always an avid reader. In his last days, he wanted to be sure his granddaughters knew the kind of sail-boat he and his friends sailed from Florida to Panama. Others knew him from the many “offices” he frequented over the years: mainly Abie’s in Eaton Rapids, the Eagles and CBs in Charlotte and Jimmy’s Pub/The Talk and the Eagles in Montague.
His biggest success was marrying the love of his life, Leslie Emmer. Together they shared 23 years of happiness, respect and love, with Leslie caring for him at home until his very last breath.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to any open tabs at Abie’s in memory of Jim. To share memories, condolences, please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.