SEELEY – Louie James, aged 84, of Ada and Croton, left his wife, Betty (Gladstone) of 65 years on October 28, 2006 to join his son, Gary and brother, Dennis. Lou served in the Signal Corp of the Fifth Army Air Force in the Pacific. He was a proud member of the Croton American Legion Post 381 and a life member of VFW Post 830 in Grand Rapids. He was also a graduate of South High School, class of 1940, where he played football and baseball earning a scholarship to Western Michigan University in baseball. He was so proud of his children, Gregory (Marcia) of Ada, Wendy Thomas of Florida, and Lucinda Graves of Colorado. He also leaves seven grandchildren, Brady, Wesley, Nathan (Tonya), Heather, Ashley, Kellen and Emily; his brother, Darold (Delores) of Colorado, and sister, Sharon (Ken) of Alto. Honoring Louie’s wishes, he was cremated and there will be no funeral services. A memorial will be held Father’s Day 2007 with his family and friends. A message from Louie: “Miss me, but let me go. When I come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom-filled room. Why cry for a soul that’s free? Miss me a little – but not too long and not with your head bowed low. Remember the love that we once shared. Miss me – but let me go. For this is a journey that we all must take and each must go alone. It’s all a part of the Master’s plan – a step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick of heart, go to the friends we know and bury your sorrows in doing good deeds. Miss me – but let me go!”
Published in the Grand Rapids Press from 11/2/2006 – 11/5/2006.
[Great-great-great-grandson of SGS #1961 – Louie James, Vernor Enos; Sylvester Thomas; Barnum Dunlap; John Edward; John Beardlsey (#1961); John (#611); Hezekiah; Nathaniel; Nathaniel; Nathaniel; Nathaniel; Robert]
