James E. Gabala, 82 of Hopkins, Michigan, born October 21, 1936 in Bay City, Michigan, the eldest son of Thomas and Sylvia Gabala. Jim graduated from Wayland High School Class of 1955. In 1958 he met and married Lois Reynolds. It was such a good idea that he married her again in 1990. The couple celebrated their 60th anniversary. Together they raised two sons, Mark and Bruce. Jim couldn't wait to teach his boys which was the right end of the hammer and how to get 9 feet out of an 8 foot board. Although neither son followed in his footsteps, they certainly walked along side him and used every skill he taught, for which they are grateful. Jim had a 30 year career building custom homes throughout the area before joining Lakewood Inc. in Holland from which he enjoyed a long retirement. Jim never met an open road that he didn't like and boasted that he drove through nearly all 50 states. His favorite trip was any one that put him in his Corvette with Lois by his side. He felt most at home in his recliner, ice cream in hand, cat on his lap, which he claimed he didn't like. Mark gave him the gift of five grandchildren, Erica (Kevin "K.C.") Kiley, Alyssa (Daniel) Vander Hyde, Geoffrey Gabala, Marshal Gabala and Hosley Werner and seven great-grandchildren. Bruce gave him an excuse to travel. Jim passed peacefully in his sleep June 24, 2019. He is survived by his wife, Lois; sons, Mark (Julie) Gabala and Bruce Gabala (Mike Roach); his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings, Eleanor (LeRoy) Mandeville, Marilyn Betts and Tom Gabala. He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, brother-in-law, James Betts and sister-in-law, Marilyn Gabala. Jim's greatest gift to his family was 30 years of sobriety. His courage and strength is admirable. As a note, the family would like anyone who's suffering to know: Sobriety is possible, lasting and rewarding. Hearts and families can heal. Friends may meet with the family at the Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel, on Friday, June 28, 2019 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM where the funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2019 at 11:00 AM. Burial to take place at Poplar Hill Cemetery, Monterey Township. Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel, is assisting the family with arrangements. Service Details. Visitation When: Friday, June 28th, 2019 5:00pm - 7:00pm Location: Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel Address: 208 West Main Street Hopkins, Michigan 49328 Funeral Service When: Saturday, June 29th, 2019 11:00am Location: Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel Address: 208 West Main Street Hopkins, Michigan 49328 Interment Saturday, June 29th, 2019 | 12:30pm When: Saturday, June 29th, 2019 12:30pm Location: Poplar Hill Cemetery Address: A37, Monterey Township Allegan, Michigan 49010