Obituaries
Jack Richard Shimmin of Grand Ledge, Mich. and formerly of Eaton Rapids, Mich. passed away on October 21, 2020 at the age of 87. Jack was born on May 22, 1933 in Lansing, Mich. the son of Glyn and Florence (Gunn) Shimmin. He graduated from Eaton Rapids High School Jack R. Shimmin class of 1951 and went on to attend Ferris State University where he received a Doctor of Pharmacy. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Jack was the owner of Shimmin Pharmacy in Eaton Rapids from 1960-1975. Upon selling his business he subcontracted for many pharmacies in the area before working at Pleasant Grove Pharmacy in Lansing. Jack enjoyed photography and building and flying radio operated airplanes. He was a passionate Harley Davidson Motorcyclist and a member of the Mid-Michigan M.C. Club and a member of the ROMEOS lunch Club. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carol (Cosper) Shimmin; and step-daughter, Cathy Guilford. Surviving are his daughters, Sandra (Brion) Pearson, Janice Shimmin-Mason; son, Richard (Juliann) Shimmin; step-son, Tim (Jane) Cosper; son-in-law, Greg Guilford; grandchildren, Laura (Travis) Sportel, Mat-thew (Katelyn) Pearson, Ian (Emily) Mason, Everett (Megan) Mason, Alan Shimmin (Natalie), Christopher (Katie) Shimmin, Andrew Shimmin, Mariah Cosper; great grandchildren, Alexis Pearson, Evelyn and Logan Sportel, Adalyn and Kahle Mason, Larry Rogers; sister, Suzanne Litchfield; his love and friend, Carolyn Gafner and numerous extended family. A private family funeral will be held. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Southside Community Kitchen or Meals on Wheels in memory of Jack. To share memories, condolences or to view the funeral service please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.
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.
John Lavoy Gray, Sr. of Onondaga, finished his earthly life on October 25, 2020 at the age of 77. John was born in Enid, Oklahoma on September 24, 1943, the son of John and Frances Marie (Lillywhite) Gray. He owned his own stone masonry business called John Gray and Sons for several John L. Gray, Sr. years before going to work for Camshaft for over 39 years. In
between working, he loved to farm, bale hay and volunteer with the Onondaga Fire Department. John enjoyed gardening, canning tomatoes, grilling and spending time outdoors. He was a humble man that loved being with his family and helping others.
John is survived by his children, Bobbie Gray of Onondaga, John L. (Kim) Gray Jr. of Charlotte, Mary Foster of Jackson; grandchildren, Korie (Anna) Gray of Traverse City, Devann Gray of Mason, Shawna (Collin) Benavides of Mason, Drew Smith of Jackson, Evan Foster of Jackson; great grandchildren, Colt Garman and Rowan Benavides; and siblings, Gale (Bernie) Steele, Jim (Sue) Gray, Gwen (Roy) Rogers, and Kim Scutt. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters, Connie Graves and Dianne Lokken. It was John’s wish not to have services. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ingham County Humane Society. Arrangements were entrusted to the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel. To share memories with the family please visit our website at millsfuneral.com.
Terry Dean Southerly
Terry Dean Southerly, age 77 of Bellevue died October 15, 2020. Terry was employed as a pipefitter at GM. Arrangements by Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Cheryl M. Braden
Cheryl May Braden, 64, of Lansing, formerly of Charlotte, died unexpectedly at her home on October 20, 2020. Cheryl, an outgoing and sociable friend of many, was born January 25, 1956, in Lansing. She graduated from Harry Hill High School in 1974 before working at Care Free in Charlotte and starting her family. Despite her struggles in life, Cheryl maintained a love for her family and friends. She always loved to shop for the perfect gift, especially for her grandchildren. She enjoyed golf and bowling, participating in a bowling league in her earlier days. Cheryl enjoyed taking her dog, Buddy, for walks, and was the first to spark a friendship to anyone she encountered.
Cheryl is survived by her daughter, Jamie (Michael) Gurski of Charlotte; grandchildren, Kaiden, Braylon, and Lileigh; her father, Neal Wright of Charlotte; siblings, Gary Wright, Nick (Melanie) Wright, and Rich (Lori) Wright, all of Charlotte; step-father, Tony Oien of Fla.; several nieces and nephews; life-time friends, Zauner (Jill) Lea and Richard Dimond; and her beloved dog, Buddy. She was predeceased by her mother, Janice Oien; and her sister, Vicki Pease.
A private family ceremony will take place in the future. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Pawsibilities Rescue in Olivet. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Cheryl on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.