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1959
2016
James E. McCann III, 56, of Fife Lake, Michigan, formerly of DeMotte/Hebron, passed away from natural causes, on June 11, 2016, at his home. He was born Nov. 25, 1959, in Highland Park, Michigan, to James E. McCann Jr. and Donna (Duckworth) McCann Dye. One of five, he was their only son, a middle child, with two older and two younger sisters, whom he loved passionately and was especially devoted.
After high school, James proudly served in the United States NAVY as a hydraulic mechanic, working on F-18's in China Lake, CA. Mr. McCann was also an accomplished long-distance trucker, with a love for the beauty, grandeur, and natural wildlife he encountered along the road. While living for an extended period of time in Marathon, Florida, he participated as a local volunteer in Sea Turtle rescue efforts.
His talents were many: a gifted "pastry chef," a natural musician and a great entertainer who loved to sing karaoke. He also strived to make people laugh with his unending sense of humor. Jim served for several years as a fantasy football commissioner. Inordinately proud of his Irish heritage, he was planning a trip to Ireland with his sisters. Jim was a great lover of music, being especially fond of Pink Floyd and Journey. He loved his country and family ardently. His other interests included hunting and fishing.
Fiercely independent, he settled in Fife Lake, Michigan, where he participated in NOAA's Citizen Weather Observing Program, and became a member of the American Legion and Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
Sadly, Jim faced many health challenges throughout his life, curtailing his natural gift of storytelling and writing. Nevertheless, he endured over two decades longer than anticipated, consistently resilient while facing chronic illnesses and pain. His strong Christian faith helped sustain him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and stepfather, Maurice J. Dye, and his beloved 4-legged family, canines: Sonya, Jinny, Zuma, and rescued felines: Vader and Spanky.
Surviving are his beloved sisters, Lynda McCann Ovington (Dan), Reston, Virginia; Sandra Williams Kender (Ken), Valparaiso; Edna Williams (Lester), Wheatfield, and Barbara McCann Cline (Michael), Murfreesboro, Tennessee; nieces and nephews: Angela Palm (Michael), Burlington, Vermont; Amanda Leuthardt (Angel Marrero), Valparaiso; Marcus Williams (Abbey), Cincinnati, Ohio; April Disney (Jess) Smyrna, Tennessee; Brandon Leuthardt (Emma), Sauk Rapids, Minnesota; Jennifer Cline and Stephen Cline, Murfreesboro; and Brianna Williams, Valparaiso; great-nephews: Elliot Palm, Oliver Gallenstein, Benjamin Palm, and great-niece, Ellery Leuthardt; loving aunts and uncles: Barb and Bob Mrozinski, Lake City, Michigan; Edward McCann, Royal Oak, Michigan; Lorraine Mundy, Detroit; fond cousins: Geri (Bob) Lowry, Granbury, Texas; Bill Duckworth, San Antonio, Texas; John and Linda England, Bridgton, Maine; Jennie Curtis, Boulder, Colorado; Cathy Thomas (Frank), Haughton, Louisiana; and Michael Mrozinski, Providence, Rhode Island. He was also survived by his dog, Sierra, who will be adopted out. Jim also left behind a great neighbor and friend, Fred Boughton, who was like a brother to him.
A visitation will be held on Sat., June 25, from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. at the Frazier Funeral Home, 621 S. Halleck, Demotte, with Pastor Chris Shrum officiating Burial of cremains will follow in the Hebron Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Zach's Feed at Lodi Trading Company, 4842 M-66 SW, Kalkaska, MI 49646 (food donations will go to the Kalkaska County Animal Control), or Disabled American Vets, Grand Traverse Bay Area - Chap 38, 2423 Sybrant Rd, Traverse City, MI 49684.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
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Frazier Funeral Home - DeMotte621 South Halleck Street P.O BOX 368, DeMotte, IN 46310
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