James Eames, 86

James Chester Eames, age 86, of Three Rivers, died Monday, April 4, 2016 at his home. He was born in Portage, MI on Nov. 13, 1929 the son of Chester L. and Mabelle (Bradford) Eames. He attended school in Parkville and Three Rivers before graduating from Mendon High School. James served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was married to Helen L. Billiau in Three Rivers Bible Church on June 20, 1954. He continued to serve the church for the next 23 years as a bus driver, Sunday School teacher, and for the Christian Service Brigade. James later joined the Bethany Chapel in Three Rivers where he served as Deacon and Sunday School Supervisor. While serving both churches he had an active prayer life for those in need and remembered all in his morning and nightly devotions. Jim was employed at Kalamazoo Manufacturing for 38 years. In his spare time he enjoyed model railroading, gardening, and bird-watching.

James is survived by 5 children, Paul (Connie) Eames of South Berwick, ME, Catherine (Ed) Hughes of Marcellus, James Eames of Wellsburg, WV, Richard (Julie) Eames of Sturgis, and Lynn (Dan) O’Neil of Wynona Lake, IN; 9 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and special friend, Dorothy Duncan and her daughter Tracy Freese. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Helen on Feb. 29, 2000.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm Friday at the Eickhoff Farrand Halverson Chapel in Three Rivers. Funeral services will be 11:00 am Saturday, April 9, 2016 at the Bethany Chapel, 15130 Millard Road, Three Rivers with Pastor Tim Moore officiating. Burial will be in Schoolcraft Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the Gideon Bible Program. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.efhchapel.com