James N. Charland's Obituary
Mr. James N. Charland, age 84 died Monday December 15, 2003 in Muskegon. He was born on November 26, 1919 in Detroit, MI to Norman & Ellen (Burke) Charland, and had resided here in the Muskegon area for most of his life. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Army having served during WW II. Mr. Charland had been part owner of Port City Plumbing & Heating, and had worked there as a Master Plumber until his retirement in 1982. He was a life member of VFW 446 in Muskegon, and belonged to the White Lake Eagles, Disabled American Veterans, and Plumbers & Fitters (#154) #174 for 50 years. Mr. Charland served as Past President of the Michigan Plumbing & Mechanical Contractors Association from 1967-1968. On June 24, 1978 he married the former Helen Uber, and she survives him along with his former wife Merre Louise; 3 children, Norman (Lita) Charland of Twin Lake, Brooke Wade of Hastings, MI, Timothy (Caroline) Charland of Chino, CA; 6 step-children, Diane DeGraff of Spring Lake, Grayle Woodruff, Jr. of Manistee, Denise Kelley of Fruitport, Dawn (Dennis) Boon of Grand Haven, Darla (Bill) Parks of Canada, Dori (David) Matey of Connecticut; 13 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. Mr. Charland was preceded in death by his father Norman, and beloved mother, Ellen; 2 brothers, Kenneth Charland and William Charland; and 1 sister, Betty Anderson. SERVICES will be 11 AM Friday at Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc., 737 Apple Ave. 231-726-5210, with Rev. Ben Jansen officiating. VISITATION with the family will be 2-4 & 6-8 PM Thursday. Burial will take place in Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Memorial Contributions to the Humane Society & Animal Rescue of Muskegon or Hospice of Muskegon-Oceana would be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their Online Guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.
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