James Richard "Jim" Getman

James Richard "Jim" Getman Battle Creek James Richard "Jim" Getman, age 68, of Battle Creek, MI, died Sunday, September 26, 2010, at his residence surrounded by his loving family, following a short battle with liver cancer. Jim was born on May 4, 1942 in Battle Creek and was the son of Jack and Josephine (Pickles) Getman. He was a 1961 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. Jim served his country proudly as a Telecommunications Operations Supervisor, Staff Sergeant for the United States Air Force, retiring after 20 years of active duty serving from 1962 thru 1982. He then was at the Battle Creek Federal Center as a communications expert for the Defense Logistic Service Center, retiring in 2001 after 18 years of faithful service. Jim was known for being a very friendly and outgoing guy that loved playing cards, Sudoku puzzles and traveling, but his passion was his family. The only weakness he had was an overwhelming appetite for Red Twizzler Licorice! On April 6, 1963, in Oscoda, MI, Jim was united in marriage to the former, Nancy E. Frazier. Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Nancy; his daughter, Paulette Lea Getman of Coldwater, MI; his two sons, Michael Shane (Heather) Getman and Larry Jack (Michelle) Getman, both of Battle Creek; and by his six grandchildren, David, Ashley, Tyler, Brittany, Josh and Abagail. Jim was preceded in death by his parents. The graveside service to celebrate Jim's life was held on Friday, October 1st at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI, with the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Honor Guard and the Fort Custer Honor Guard bestowing full, military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim's honor may be made to the American Cancer Society, Southwest Michigan Area Service Center, 1400 West Milham Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI, 49024. The Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, Battle Creek, was in charge of all the arrangements. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com