James F. Congleton's Obituary
James “Jim” Freeman Congleton, age 81 of Grand Rapids and Spring Lake MI, passed into the arms of Jesus on June 13, 2024. He is deeply missed by his friends and family, and will be remembered for his generous spirit, dry wit, and strong character. Above all, Jim’s life was defined by sharing joy in Christ.
Jim was born on September 18, 1942 to Isabelle France (Cruskie) and Paul Congleton in Petoskey, Michigan. After graduating from Lansing Eastern High School, Jim went on to study at Lansing Community College, then enlisted with the United States Marine Corp on October 31,1963. During his time in the service, Jim was stationed at Parris Island, SC and Camp Pendleton, CA earning expert rifleman and sharpshooter qualifications. He received an honorable discharge on October 30,1969.
On July 29, 1965, Jim married his beloved late wife Marsha (Hodge) of Okemos. Together they started a family and moved to Grand Rapids where they raised their two children Michelle and Craig, built lifelong friendships, and took an active role in small fellowship groups. As a Michigan State fan, Jim loved rooting for (and getting riled up at) his home team with friends and family. Jim’s family enjoyed annual winter vacations to Florida and spending summertime boating up Michigan’s west coast, and later, weekends at their cottage in Spring Lake. Grand Rapids is also where Jim jump started his career in the commercial printing business, garnering success by virtue of his strong work ethic and unshakable integrity. He was well respected among colleagues and retired as the president of Modern Imaging Techtron in 2001.
Jim spent the first few years of his retirement lovingly caring for his wife Marsha through a long painful illness with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease. He was by her side when she passed in 2006.Jim was blessed with a second chance at love and an adventurous retirement with his wife Sammie (Drewry) of Burnsville, NC. They married in a small ceremony in Burnsville on August 26, 2009. Jim and Sammie’s union brought joy, fun, and an extended family Jim cared for dearly. Over the years, Jim and Sammie took several memorable trips and shared many exciting experiences. They cherished their time together, whether it was spent riding camels in Israel or quietly reading devotionals in the early morning hours on the porch. If you knew Jim, you knew he loved the Lord. He turned his life over to Christ as an adult and did his best to live a Godly example. Not only did he share a foundation of faith with his family, but discipled and mentored many other men along the way. His impact was significant, and his legacy is one of love, devotion, and grace. Today, and for all of eternity, he is walking with The Father in his heavenly home. Jim is survived by his wife Sammie, Daughter Michelle (Robb) Luke, Son Craig (Jessica) Congleton, and bonus kids Robin (Danny) Carpenter, Sammie Jr. (Ken) Joyner, and Thomas (Deneen) Roberson. Also, brother Gerry (Patty) Congleton, sister Beverly Lingle, and Paul Congleton. Jim was a sweet and tender Grandpa to Connor, Caden, Abbi, Sophia, Mackenna, Chloe, and Charlie. He will be warmly remembered by many nieces, nephews and special family friends. He is preceded in death by his mother, Isabelle France, Father Paul Congleton, Brother Clifford France, and late wife Marsha Congleton. The family will receive guests on Friday, June 21st at 2 pm for a visitation at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444, directly followed by an Honor Guard ceremony and funeral service at 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the Alzheimer's Association of West Michigan.
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