WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Robert L. James, age 83, of Sturgis, passed away Tuesday evening, Nov. 12, 2013, at Thurston Woods Villa in Sturgis.
He was born March 12, 1930, in Warsaw, Ind., a son of the late Lee and Leola (Stanton) James.
Bob resided in Sturgis since 1961, coming from LaGrange, Ind. His early life was lived in Warsaw, Ind., where he was a graduate of Warsaw High School with the class of 1948.
On May 24, 1951, he married Frances Irene Byland in Syracuse, Ind. She died Oct. 23, 2008.
Bob owned and operated, with his wife, Economy Market and Ice Company in Sturgis for many years. He also had worked at Wall Packing Company in Sturgis and Kroger Grocery Store in Warsaw and LaGrange.
Bob served in the National Guard and was a past member of Loyal Order of Moose #575, Eagles Lodge #1314 and Ducks Unlimited. He enjoyed gambling, especially when he and Fran traveled to Las Vegas, fishing, hunting and working with the public.
He is survived by two daughters, Irene (Dan) Dumont of Bronson and Lou Ann (Michael) Cox of Sturgis; two sons, Bill (Edie) James of Sturgis and Steve James of LaGrange.; four granddaughters, Tracie Syring, Sheri Hills, Holly Gentz and Jessica James; three grandsons, Jason Knapp, James Knapp and Damon James; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and twin sisters, Hulda Mae James and Mary Alice James.
The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. Friday at Hackman Family Funeral Homes — Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis. Funeral services celebrating the life of Robert L. “Bob” James will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. The Rev. Glenn Russell, Thurston Woods Village chaplin, will officiate. A graveside committal will follow the service at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. James’ memory consider the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22311 or the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509, New York, NY 10018.
His obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.
