Jimmy W. Liles

Jim's life began on Feb. 23, 1939, in Drasco, Ark. At a young age, his family moved to Michigan and settled in Watervliet.

Jim graduated from Watervliet High School and then went to work at the Watervliet Paper Mill. When the paper mill closed, Jim went to work at Sears and then Bowater Paper until retirement. Jim enjoyed 63 years with his loving wife, Mary Jane, raising his four children and enjoying watching his family grow. When Jim wasn't working or supporting a child or grandchild in their activities you could find him watching races, gardening or camping. His greatest joy was surrounding himself with his loving family.

Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Jane (Pearce) Liles; two children: Rick (Karla) Liles and Leslie Liles; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren, and happily looking forward to meeting the one on the way; his four sisters-in-law: Helen, Patricia "Tish," Bobby, and Kelley; and many nieces and nephews.

Jim died on Sunday, Sept. 4, 2022, at home surrounded by his family.

He is preceded in death by a son, Jimmy Liles Jr., a daughter, Theresa Phillips, a son-in-law, Darrell Phillips; a grandson, Tommy Vasquez; his parents: George and Leona (Cannon) Liles; two sisters: Pat (Denny) Warren and Louise (Bob) Rotach; his mother and father-in-law; and nieces and nephews.

Friends may visit with Jim's family from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 8, at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet. Funeral services will be celebrated at 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 9, at Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Watervliet.

Memorials may be made in Jim's memory to Caring Circle of Spectrum Health Lakeland. You are invited to leave a message of comfort for Jim's family at hutchinsfuneral.com.