Jim Camburn, 87

James R. Camburn, age 87, of Sturgis, Mich., passed away Friday evening, Aug. 3, 2012, at his home.

He was born July 12, 1925, in Lansing, Mich., a son of the late Darrel and Emma (Short) Camburn.

Jim resided in Sturgis since 1953 coming from Lawrence and his early life was lived in Kalamazoo.

On June 8, 1946, he married Luella Carr in Kalamazoo.

He owned and operated James Camburn Repair Service in Sturgis from 1953 until his semi-retirement in 1990. He had also been employed by the Kirsch Company in Sturgis.

Jim was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during World War II with the 96th Infantry Division in the Pacific and was awarded two Bronze Battle Stars.

He was a Life Member of Neuman-Wenzel Post #73 American Legion and Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW and the Southwest Michigan Fly Wheelers Antique Tractor Club.

Jim enjoyed fishing, riding motorcycles and snowmobiles, his antique tractor and spending time at the family cabin in Wellston. He also loved traveling and traveled to all 50 states.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Luella; one daughter, Catherine Witmer of Goshen, Ind.; three sons, Laurence (Ann) Camburn of Richland, Douglas (Theresa) Camburn and Melvin (Deborah) Camburn both of Sturgis; 10 grandchildren, Kyle O’Brien, Kevin O’Brien, Heather Polasky, Kristin Hammond, Holly Sweatman, Hope Larhrib, Jonathan Camburn, Patrick Camburn, Kevin Camburn and Amanda Camburn; 11 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Patrick Camburn; one brother, Dale Camburn; one step-brother, Jack Short and one step-sister, Jean Schwartz.

The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the Hackman Family Funeral Homes – Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, MI 49091, 269-651-2331. Funeral services celebrating the life of James Camburn will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the First United Methodist Church in Sturgis. The Rev. Deb Johnson and retired local United Methodist Church pastor Robert Keim will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis where full military honors will be conferred by Captain John J. Kelley Post #1355 VFW and the U.S. Army Honor Guard.

The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Camburn’s memory consider Hospice of Sturgis, P.O. Box 126, Sturgis, MI 49091, VFW Post #1355, 264 W. Fawn River Rd., Sturgis, MI 49091 or American Legion Post #73, 500 W. Chicago Rd., Sturgis, MI 49091.

The obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilfuneralhome.com where personal messages of support may be left for the family.