R. James "Jim" Federighe's Obituary
R. James “Jim” Federighe, age 79, passed away Monday, December 30, 2019 in Muskegon. He was born in Hancock, Michigan on April 8, 1940 to Sebastian “Bimbo” and Amanda (Pearson) Federighe. Jim graduated from Hancock High School in 1958 and continued his education at Michigan Technological University where he played football. He graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1962, and married Joann Claire Ceretto on August 25, 1962. Jim worked for Consumers Power for 16 ½ years and moved from Bay City to Muskegon to Jackson before settling back in Muskegon in 1973. In 1979, Jim accepted an offer from Richard G. Johnson to operate and manage Northern Boiler, an offer he remained extremely grateful. Shortly thereafter, Jim became president of the company and had a long and successful career with his business partner and friend, Richard G. Johnson. Jim continued to own and operate Northern Boiler, instilling the same hard work and dedication into the business that he learned as a little boy. Jim was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, West Michigan Mechanical Manufacturing Association, West Michigan Pipefitters, West Michigan Mechanical Contractors Association, Employees Association of West Michigan, Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, Whitehall Eagles, and was elected by Gov. Snyder to the State Board of Boiler Rules. Jim was a conservationist at heart and had spent many years raising deer, pheasants, and fish. He was a member of Pheasants Forever and Ducks Unlimited. Jim enjoyed spending time at his farm in Bitely, and especially looked forward to the monthly card games there with his friends. He was an avid hockey player and passed the love of the game on to his sons and grandson, Anthony. He spent many years coaching youth hockey and he ran the penalty box for the Muskegon Mohawks. Jim played in many hockey tournaments including six at Snoopy’s Home Ice Redwood Empire Ice Arena in Santa Rosa, CA and continued to play hockey until the age of 76. Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years, Joann; four children, Terry (Brigette) Federighe, Tracy (Rick Wanamaker) Federighe, Tony Federighe, and Tina (Brett) Frisbey; five grandchildren, Matt and Brian Parent and Bella, Parker, and Oliver Frisbey; one brother, Gerald (Linda) Federighe; sister-in-law, Patricia Federighe; brother-in-law, Richard Johnson; sister-in-law, Lucia Gauthier; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Buddy. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; grandson, Anthony Federighe; twin infant brothers, James Gerald and Paul Joseph Federighe; brother, Marvin Federighe and sister, Christine Johnson. SERVICES will be 2:00 PM Sunday, January 5, 2020 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 with Fr. Norm Droski and Pastor Bruce Wilson officiating. VISITATION will be from 3-6 PM Saturday, January 4, 2020 and one hour prior to his service on Sunday. Burial will be in Laketon Township Cemetery. You may sign his online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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