James Whitepigeon

James "Mr. Jim" Whitepigeon, age 66, of Battle Creek, died September 9, 2006 in ER at Battle Creek Health Systems. He was born November 30, 1939 in Grand Rapids the son of Levi and Ellen (Moore) Whitepigeon. James received his B.A. from Aquinas College in 1976 and his Masters from Western Michigan University in 1987 and had plans to go back for a PhD in his field of financing. He served from 1957-60 in the U.S. Navy. James moved to the Battle Creek area in 1991 and was employed by the City of Battle Creek as the Budget Officer. On September 20, 1997 James Whitepigeon married Laura J. Hicks in Las Vegas. In addition to his wife, James is survived by six daughters, Karen (Tim) Tayon of Granite City, IL, Lorraine K. (Mike) Malone of Portage, Leslie (James) Mattimore of Decatur, Kelly (Mohamad) Farran of Mattawan, Chris (Jason) Etheridge and Margaret (Jose) Whitepigeon both of Battle Creek; six sisters, Lorraine Bessemer, Jennie Wicker, Norma Tolsma, Ruth Carlton, Marlene Wade, and Yvonne Whitepigeon; 20 grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and special friends. Mr. Jim's real involvement in the community was his family and his pride in his full blooded Indian heritage the Potawatomi Indian Nation. He enjoyed traveling, boating, playing cards, any local Lottery and Hooters. At the request of the family, friends may call at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home after 4:00 p.m. Wednesday. Funeral Services will be held 1:00 p.m. Thursday, September 14, 2006 at the Lakeview Baptist Church, with Rev. Morris Anderson officiating. Interment with Full Military Honors at Ft. Custer Nation Cemetery. Friends who wish may make memorial contribution to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Personal remembrances may be made at www.farleyestesdowdle.com