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BORN
1957
DIED
2021
FUNERAL HOME
James Geer Obituary
James A. Geer, age 64, took his last bow on November 29, 2021, passing away due to COVID complications. Born in Northville, MI on October 9,1957 to Robert and Vivian (Anderson) Geer. He grew up in the greater Lansing area, graduated from Waverly HS and received his Bachelor of Arts cum laude in Music Education & Piano from MI State University.
James love for music and theater was evident throughout his life, and he shared his wonderful gifts and talents through many different community theater organizations, local school systems and church community. James was a performer, director, accompanist, teacher and mentor to so many people throughout his life and yet never realized how profound an impact he had on others.
James loved a good book, a good movie and a good argument (not necessarily in that order). He was known for his broad interests from classic Greek philosophers to popular blockbuster movies and entertainments. He was well known for putting on firework displays during the holidays that both entertain and on occasion incite joy and terror.
James is survived by six siblings: Richard (Carol)
Geer, Marjorie Snider, Patricia (Richard) Peterson, Paul (Susan) Geer, David (Yulia) Geer, and Shirley Geer, as well as 20 nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
He was pre-deceased by his parents: Robert and Vivian Geer and brothers: John Stephen Geer, and Robert W. Geer.
A Visitation with family will take place on Friday, December 3, 2021 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm at Palmer Bush & Jensen Holt- Delhi Chapel,5035 Holt Rd, Holt MI. The Memorial Service from 2:00 to 3:00 pm at the Chapel.
In lieu of flowers please consider supporting the many organizations that bring us all such enjoyment by attending a performance and/or donating to these local groups: Riverwalk Theater, Starlight Dinner Theater or All-of-Us Express Children’s Theatre
Memories and Condolences
for James Geer
Marcia Smithwick
December 3, 2021
I’m so sorry to hear of James passing. He was a great guy. We were in the same youth group in our teen years. I have lots of fond memories of those years, I’m praying for all of the remaining Geer family, that God will give you peace and comfort.
Melissa Avery
December 3, 2021
James was a kind and very talented man. I did not know him very long, but he had such a quiet earnestness about him. The world will miss his talent and his profound talent - most of all, his kindness and dignity. Rest well.
Shelly Shinevar
December 3, 2021
I will always remember James as a talented musician and mathematician. He loved tap dancing too! I met him at Waverly High School and we were both in the Christian Singing Group called "Charis" and we were in two high school musicals --"Anything Goes" and "George M!". I choreographed "Kiss Me Kate" when he directed the musical in Holt. I will miss his exuberant spirit! May God comfort his Family and Friends in this time of sorrow...
Colleen Bethea
December 2, 2021
I loved James. He was a dear friend and a musical colleague. We worked on many productions together both on-stage and with him as musical director. He was my accompanist of choice, and often played for me on various solo gigs. My sons (Danny, Chris and Cameron Bethea) and I have been to his home many times for rehearsals and cast parties, and had the pleasure of getting to know Rich and Carol. I felt that James had a way of guiding me to my very best performances. I trusted him absolutely. I wish I had the chance to say goodbye and tell him how I felt our friendship. He DID know, and loved to tell others, that I was one of his biggest fans, because I told him often. He will be missed by me, and many others.
Kelly Sandula-Gruner
December 2, 2021
I was fortunate to work with James on several productions. I appreciated both his monster talent on the keys, and his quirky sense of humor. Plus he was willing to talk music theory with a fellow nerd! James always encouraged me to audition for more shows than were humanly possible in my schedule with a full time job and 2 kids! But it was flattering how he boosted local musicians/actors — he was always trying to build up local performing arts groups with as much talent as he could. He wanted people to get involved! His love for theatre was always evident and our local groups will really feel his loss.
Ellen Hoard
December 1, 2021
I’m heavy-hearted James death. His unique talent, and upbeat personality were gifts he shared readily. I was blessed to perform under his musical direction several times.
George Davis
December 1, 2021
I have fond memories of my childhood with James a part of it. Between going to movies with him or Geer Family get togethers, it was always wonderful to share the moments. He will be missed.
Hope Rollins
December 1, 2021
Thank you for the wonderful musical memories of Ain’t Misbehavin
The Tin Man & Friends
Gary Mitchell
December 1, 2021
I had the wonderful experience of working with James Geer in a number of stage productions. Whether I was acting or producing, I always knew James would be an added bonus to any show. He was especially gifted in musical arrangements and was great when it came to working with young people (as was the case in "The Wizard of Oz" -- the last show we did together). I always enjoyed being in his company and his presence -- both on and off the stage -- will be missed. Take an extra bow with your curtain call, Jim. You earned it.
Maureen Nauss
December 1, 2021
So sorry to hear of James' passing. James and I worked together for years, and his passion for all things musical was evident every day. He was the energizer bunny of musical theater in the Lansing area, always involved in another show. I admired his desire to grow and improve his skills. James was one of a kind and will be missed.
Diana Lett
December 1, 2021
So sad and sorry to hear of his passing. James created a wonderful moment for me onstage at Starlight during Nunsense. As Sister Hubert, my featured song began very slowly per his inspiration creating a very funny situation at the end of the show. Thank you James! Keep making good music in heaven. ❤
Dan Templin
December 1, 2021
I had the honor and pleasure to work with James on several shows including musical revues wherein he was our music director.
His talent was profound....matched only by his endless enthusiasm. He loved his craft and would express delight when a particular arrangement, lyric or interpretation appealed to his artistic sensibilities. So often he would spontaneously encourage me and others to participate in community theater...in furtherance of his devotion to the performing arts.
Heartbroken by his passing... and now remain only memories of a sweet soul...
Mike Bortz
November 30, 2021
My deepest condolences go out to all the Geer family . . and it looks like there are many. Jim & I graduated HS together & we both played trumpet. We both moved on to Mich St and played in the Spartan Marching Band together. We've not been in touch since our days @ Mich St but I'm NOT surprised with his involvement & the success he's had in music and theater throughout his life. Those characteristics were very evident when Jim was in HS. 'Heaven' will greet him with a piano and he'll be able to continue his passion of entertaining. I'm glad our paths crossed and I say . . RIP my friend.
Chuck Firman
November 30, 2021
James was an inspiration for me and a respected coach of sorts when this auto mechanic from Fowlerville somehow became the Cowardly Lion for Fowlerville Community Theatre’s presentation of The Wizard of Oz. I hadn’t sang in years, and as music director, he had to make sure I didn’t make a fool out of myself. I owe James a whole heck of a lot for getting my voice back into shape after years of dry dock and performing at the level it needed to be at. James is a HUGE talent that will be missed dearly in our circle, and I pray for comfort for those of us back here.❤
Stephanie Robinson
November 30, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Geer family...
Harle and Stephanie Robinson
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Funeral services provided by:
Palmer Bush & Jensen Family Funeral Homes- Holt Delhi Chapel5035 W. Holt Road, Holt, MI 48842