James M. Carey Sr. "Lil' Bruh and Poppi"'s Obituary
James M. Carey, Sr., aka "Lil' Bruh and Poppi", age 81, passed away Saturday, July 6, 2024 at Trinity Health – Muskegon Campus. He was born January 4, 1943 in Pocahontas, MS to Howard and Mary (Campbell) Carey and lived in the Muskegon area most of his life. On June 12, 1966, he married Christeen Jones in Jackson, MS and she survives him. James worked at the Lakey Foundry and CWC-Textron in his earlier career. He later worked 18 years in the conditioning department of Eagle-Ottawa Tannery and retired in 2005. James was active in the Masons – King David Lodge in Muskegon where he was Past Master, Worshipful Grand Tyler Emerita, Past Potentate, Deputy of the Oasis Muskegon Emerita, Grand Inspector General 33rd and Last Degree.
James favorite pastime was gardening. He took pride in keeping his yard well-manicured with lush green grass and beautiful flowers. Neighbors and friends would often stop by to admire his handiwork and seek gardening advice. His vegetable garden was equally impressive. Everyone enjoyed the fresh greens, tomatoes & cucumbers from his garden which were often served along with his fried “to perfection” fish at his annual fish fry. For him, gardening and cooking were not just hobbies, they were a way to bring joy to those around him. With his garden and his fish fry he shared his love with others, one plate at a time.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Christeen Carey; two sons: John Ball of Flora, MS and James (Monique) Carey Jr.; two daughters: Cassandra (Raymond) Crump and Catrina (Joshua) Eller; four grandchildren: Sjon’Vier Crump, Chaylse Eller, Janelle Ball, and Jaslyn Ball; one great-grandchild, Kayten Ball; three sisters: Thelma Ransom of Flora MS, Rebecca (Becky) McLaurin, and Betty Lamb of Madison, MS; three brothers: Cleo Carey, Theo (Bell) Carey of Yazoo City, MS, and Clarence (Mahalia) of Jackson, MS; one special sister-in-law, Doristine Carey of Jackson, MS; special niece & nephews: Dena (Larry) Kinsey, Stanley (Kimberly), Lamar (Elaine) and Percy (Ruthie) McLaurin and a host of other loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
James was preceded in death by both parents: Howard and Mary (Campbell) Carey; two brothers: Tommie Howard and Nathan Carey and one sister: Diane Carey Denson.
Visitation will be held 6-8 PM Thursday, July 18, 2024 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444. Visitation will also be held 2:00-3:00PM Friday, July 19, 2024 followed by a Memorial Service at 3:00 PM at the funeral home. Sign the online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
Acknowledgments/Special Thanks
The family of James Carey Sr. would like to express our sincere gratitude for all the cards, flowers, prayers, food and kind expressions of comfort during this time of loss. To those who visited, attended the service, telephoned, and traveled long distances, we are truly grateful. There are not enough words to fully express our heartfelt thanks for the emotional and practical support you have lovingly provided.
A special word of thanks to:
Norris Ellis (Special Friend)
Eyette Foster
Glenda Longmire
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