James See

Friendly, engaging, and hardworking, James See was an amazing man to know and love.

The dark days of the Great Depression were some of the most trying times our nation has ever seen. The mid-thirties were only more challenging due to a crippling drought in our nation’s heartland that added more strain to an already stressed agricultural industry. Despite the trials around them, a young family from Grand Rapids, Michigan, was filled with great joy to welcome a healthy baby boy into their hearts and home on December 12, 1934. James Ernest was the youngest of three children born to his parents, John and Opal (Snyder) See, and he was raised in the family home at 24 National alongside his older siblings, Betty and John. His father worked as a broom maker while his mother was a homemaker.

In many ways Jim experienced a typical upbringing. The See family was a close-knit group, and spending the holidays together a favorite event. As a young boy Jim worked unloading trucks and stocking shelves for a local department store. He liked to box, often against his brother, John, and he was a student at local schools. Jim went on to graduate from Union High School.

With a desire to serve his country, Jim joined the United States Navy during the days of the Korean Conflict. While in the service he worked as an aviation structural mechanic. In recognition of his service, Jim was awarded with medals that made him so proud. He considered it an honor to serve his country.

Throughout his career Jim worked in maintenance at Steelcase for 36 years before retiring. It was while at work that he met the woman who stole his heart. Her name was Barbara Somers, and she worked in the cafeteria there. After dating for a time, Jim and Barb were married on May 26, 1989, at St. Marks Lutheran Church in Kentwood. The newlyweds enjoyed a honeymoon in Frankenmuth and purchased a home at 315 Morning Dove Drive in Cutlervillle where Jim lived for the rest of his life. He always loved Barb’s children and grandchildren as though they were his own.

In his free time Jim was one to keep busy. He was an avid bowler who spent most of his bowling days at Spectrum Lanes, and he was also active at the American Legion Post #208. Jim was a big U of M fan who additionally loved watching Red Wings hockey, birdwatching, easy listening music, and photography.

To know James See was to love him as he was an outgoing and generous person who was a fantastic conversationalist. He was deeply devoted to the family and friends he treasured. Jim will be deeply missed.

SEE Mr. James E. See, aged 78 of Grand Rapids, passed away on Sunday morning, June 2, 2013 at Trillium Woods Hospice. He is survived by his loving wife of 24 years, Barbara See (Somers); his sister Betty LaMadaline; his brother, John (Connie) See; step-children, David, Kevin and Mike; step-grandchildren, Katie, Amie, Victoria, Joshua, Mary, Nathan , Owen and Skyler; several nieces, nephews and many friends. Jim honorably served his country in the US Navy during the Korean War. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #208 and retired from Steelcase after 36 years of service. He was an avid bowler at Spectrum Lanes. A service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held on Wednesday June 5, 2013 at 2:00 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Burial in Rosedale Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet his family at the funeral home on Wednesday from 1:00 PM until the service begins at 2:00 PM. Contributions may be made to Faith Hospice. To read more about Jim’s life, to sign his guest book and to leave your own memory of him, visit his web page at www.lifestorynet.com