James A. Elam, Sr.'s Obituary
Mr. James A. Elam, age 77, passed away Thursday evening, November 11, 2010 at home. He was born December 20, 1932 in Union City, TN to Henry and Clara (Hamblin) Elam, and resided in the Muskegon area since the age of 7. James was a Veteran of the U.S. Coast Guard serving during the Korean War. He was a master Electrician for IBEW #275 for 32 years, before retiring in 1992. James was a member of Lakeshore Baptist Church and was a friend of Bill W. He also enjoyed genealogy, his computer and watching old western movies and TV shows, with “Gunsmoke” being his favorite. On September 29, 1951 he married the former Geraldine “Gerry” A. McDowell, and she survives him along with 6 children, Jill (Russell) Franks of Muskegon, James A. (Kathy) Elam, Jr. of Muskegon, Joel (Diane) Elam of Comstock Park, Jody Miller of Bristow, VA, Julie (Tom) Drent of Fredricksburg, VA, Jamie (Larry) Hall of Muskegon; 8 grandchildren, Jordan (Caryn) Elam, Samantha (Ryan) Wolff, Tara Elam, Katrina and Kristopher Elam, Ryan Miller, and Zackery and Audrey Drent; 1 sister, Louella (Bob) Miller of Kalamazoo. James was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Elam in 1986; his parents; 1 sister, Rebecca Marsh and 1 brother, Donald Elam. FUNERAL SERVICES will be held 1PM Tuesday at The Lee Chapel of
Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc., 6291 S. Harvey Street, Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231-798-1100) with Pastor Wayne Muri officiating. Burial will be in Fruitport Twp Cemetery. VISITATION with Jim’s family will be one-hour prior to the service on Tuesday. For a more lasting memorial you are asked to consider Lakeshore Baptist Church.
What’s your fondest memory of James A.?
What’s a lesson you learned from James A.?
Share a story where James A.'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James A. you’ll never forget.
How did James A. make you smile?