Herman James Jr's Obituary
Mr. Herman James Jr, age 65, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 23, 2023 following a short battle with cancer. He was born on November 2, 1957 to Herman James Sr and Fanny Winters in Yazoo City, Mississippi. Herman lived in Chicago before making his way to Muskegon where he met Melanie Alexander. The two were married on March 23, 2019 after over 30 years together. Herman enjoyed spending his time with his friends and family, and beloved parakeet, Bessie. Herman was a skilled cook and worked in the food industry for his entire career. He liked to work in his yard, trying his luck with scratch tickets, playing darts, and listening to jazz and blues music. Herman will be remembered by his wife, Melanie Alexander; step-children, Ron (Anita Arnold) Kotlewski and Shawn Pacyga; step-grandchildren, Ryley Pacyga, Jason Kotlewski, Alex (Lorraine) Kotlewski, Amber (Greg) LeMieux, and Justin (Taylor) Kotlewski; one step great-grandson, Grayson LeMieux; former daughter-in-law, Sherri Bishop; siblings, Daniel, Wesley, Ronald, Rochelle, Deautre, and Rueben; sisters-in-law, Susan Weegmann and Carol (Paul) Kitchen; close friends, Dr. Smith, BC Thompson, and Kay Wegan; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Dora and Rico; and sister-in-law, Janet Stone. A Celebration of Herman’s Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444.
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