James E. McCann III

1959 - 2016

BORN

1959

DIED

2016

FUNERAL HOME

Frazier Funeral Home - DeMotte

621 South Halleck Street

DeMotte, Indiana

James McCann Obituary

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.

Published by Kankakee Valley Post News from Jun. 23 to Jul. 23, 2016.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for James McCann

Not sure what to say?





0 Entries

Be the first to post a memory or condolences.

Make a Donation
in James McCann's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for James McCann

Jun

25

Visitation

10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Frazier Funeral Home Inc

124 E North, Morristown, IN

Jun

25

Burial

Hebron Cemetery

IN

Funeral services provided by:

Frazier Funeral Home - DeMotte

621 South Halleck Street P.O BOX 368, DeMotte, IN 46310

How to support James's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James McCann's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more