Roy Lawrence James, 93, of Allegan, Michigan died in the home he had lived in since its purchase in 1972. In his final days, the house was full as his family and friends gathered in love to support him and each other, sharing tears but also great memories and laughter.

Roy was born on the northern shore of Lake Michigan in the company-owned logging town of Nahma, Michigan to Frank and Sarah Hattie (Sturgis) James on July 21, 1932. When the giant timber ran out and the mills fell silent, the family moved to Allegan when Roy was 9 years old. They settled near Miner Lake where he attended country school, accompanying the teacher each morning to start the fire in the woodstove before classes. He recalled memories of walking to town to enjoy a double feature at the Regent Theatre, raising chickens for 4H, and travelling to Chicago to buy a suit out of the trunk of a car to wear for his Allegan High School graduation.

Roy began his career at Blood Brothers’ Universal Joint while still a senior in high school, working the overnight shift and often receiving grace from his teachers as they allowed him to nap through their classes. In 1952, he enlisted in the United States Army, entering service in Detroit, Michigan on September 3, 1952. Roy was stationed in Korea for one year, three months, and fourteen days during the war and his service was meritoriously decorated with the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal w/ two bronze stars, Republic of Korea Unit Citation, and an additional bronze star. His separation from active duty was at Fort Bliss, Texas on September 2, 1955, and final discharge to civilian life on September 2, 1960, after five years in the Michigan Army Reserve. In the Fall of 2025, he flew to Washington D.C. with fellow World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans on a Talons Out Honor Flight and was proclaimed an Ambassador of Peace by the Republic of Korea Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs on November 15 at a celebration at Allegan City Hall.

By the time Roy returned from the army, Blood Brothers had become Rockwell International where he resumed his career and worked until the company halted most of its Allegan operations in 1988. His last months with the company were spent in Fairfield, Iowa training those employees who were to replace him. He was defined as a hard worker, never turning down an extra shift at the plant as well as working a second job at Nyberg Funeral Home. For 16 years in “retirement,” Roy drove a van for Allegan County Community Mental Health where he was a favorite among his “Clients.” In short, he did whatever he could to provide for those he loved.

Roy was soft-spoken, generous, and kind. He never spoke ill of anyone or anything unless there was cilantro involved. Yet, for a man of so few words, he was remarkably social. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, Fraternal order of Eagles, Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Moose Lodge, and seemingly the Players Club at every casino in Western Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. He was a skilled wood worker, a fiercely competitive Pepper and Marbles player, and looked forward to fishing with brother, Jimmy, and brother-in-law, Mutt, on Big Bay de Noc during summer vacations. In recent years, he took pleasure in riding his scooter around town to inspect the road projects (he was one of the first through Allegan’s roundabout), stopping at “Jim’s” (as he referred to both Riverside Market and Mighty Midget) for his “scratchers,” playing pull-tabs at the club, and trips to the casino with “the girls.” He always enjoyed attending sporting and school events, dance recitals, birthday parties, and any reason to gather with others.

In his golden years, Roy met his life partner, Barb Miller. Together they shared 26 years of love and adventure. From the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to Venice, Florida, memories were made and enjoyed with family and friends. To us she was “Grandma Barb” and her family became our family.

Surviving are his children, Diane Stockdale, Betsy (Rich) Wheeler, Richard (Yan Chen) James, Traci (Tim) Perrigo, Mike (Rosalee) Norman, Tim (Holly) Norman, Mark (Kathy) Norman, and Lisa (Jon) Boulter; his sister-in-law, Jacque James; and nineteen grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Along with his parents, Roy is preceded in death by his siblings, Evelyn Lavigne, Florence Smith, Raymond James, Harold James, and Jimmy James. Also preceding him in death is an infant son.

The United States Army will render military honors and Roy will be enniched on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Fort Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Road, Augusta, Michigan 49012. A Time of Fellowship will follow at the Allegan Fraternal Order of Eagles, 110 Chestnut St., Allegan, MI 49010 beginning at 12:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Elara Caring Hospice Foundation, whose Home Health and Hospice Care provided love and comfort to Roy and his family over the past five years.