James White's Obituary
James “Jim” White passed away peacefully at home surrounded by the love of his family on December 21st. He was born on April 12, 1929 in Ravenna, MI to Clarence and Minnie. He grew up on the family farm in Ravenna. He was drafted and served in the Korean War. Shortly after he returned, he met the love of his life Helen Chvala. They married on June 11, 1955. He loved to apply the philosophy to his marriage of “happy wife happy life”, often jokingly commenting to ask the head of the war dept (his wife) if a decision was to be made. James and Helen had 3 children, Susan White, Mark (Sally) White, Sandy (Todd) Lane. Jim was a proud family man and never missed an opportunity to brag about his 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren (with another on the way). Jim proudly retired from Consumers Power in 1987 but was contracted back to work for them for an additional 10 years. He couldn’t resist commenting on power lines as he drove by them or to tell us the reason the power went out and how to fix it. He wanted to create a life where he could watch his children and future generations spending time together and making memories. He and Helen did that by building a cottage from the ground up on Big Bass Lake where family gathers. Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching Michigan football, telling the same jokes and stories over and over again, gardening, and being an unwavering Republican. Jim is survived by his wife, children, many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and two sisters Lowana Hack and Dawn Sterken. He was preceeded in death by his parents and sister Olive Kruger. A private family service was held. Arrangements have been entrusted to The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444.
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