James Wayne Manning

James Wayne Manning, 87, of Blanchard, Oklahoma, was born September 7, 1938, and peacefully stepped into Heaven on November 15, 2025.  Jim was a kind and thoughtful man who loved his family dearly. He was born in Eaton Rapids, to Jerry Jay Manning and Dorothy Badger Manning Dennis.

He is survived by his three sisters and brother-in-law, Judy and Basil Walker of Eaton Rapids, Jerry Carpenter of Oscoda, Patty Conard of Eaton Rapids, and many nieces and nephews scattered throughout the country.

Jim graduated from Eaton Rapids High School in 1956 and went on to serve in the Air Force until 1961. On May 1, 1959, while stationed at Sheppard Air Force Base, he married the love of his life, Brenda Joyce Aaron of Bowie, Texas. They were married 48 years before her death. Together, they raised their only son, Richard Manning, who now resides with his wife, Shelly, in Tuttle, Oklahoma. Jim was also a grandpa and a great grandpa.  His two grandsons are Seth Manning of Norman, Oklahoma, and Nathan Manning. Nathan and his wife, Stefani, and their three daughters reside in Poetry, Texas.

Throughout his life, Jim always gave his best to whatever he was doing. He retired from General Motors after thirty years, having worked at both the Lansing and Oklahoma City plants.

A graveside memorial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Rosehill Cemetery in Eaton Rapids. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel in Eaton Rapids. To leave condolences for the family, visit our website www.millsfuneral.com.