Traverse City, Michigan
INTERLOCHEN — James Douglas "Jim" Root, 58, of Interlochen, died Friday, Jan. 5, 2007, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, following a brief illness.
Jim was born Sept. 5, 1948, in Traverse City, the son of Orrin and Marian (Miller) Root. He served in the U.S. Army from 1969-71 as a Military Police officer. On Feb. 3, 1973, he married Judy Lee Reed, who survives him.
A baseball player in high school, Jim later enjoyed coaching T-ball and Little League. He was also involved in Cub Scouts for many years and enjoyed traveling and ornamental gardening. He was employed at the Interlochen Center for the Arts and attended the Church of Christ Restored.
Above all, he loved his family and absolutely adored being a grandpa.
Jim is survived by his wife, Judy; two sons, Jeremy (Michelle) Root of Kingsley and Chad (girlfriend, Andrea Rusch) of Traverse City; two grandsons, Landon and Carson Root; mother, Marian L. Root of Mesick; two brothers, Tom (Betty) Root of Gaylord and Dick (Dawn) Root of Mesick; sister, Mary Jane (Rick) Smith of Mears; mother-in-law, Dorothy Reed of Interlochen; niece, Sarah Grubb; nephews, Troy (Colleen) Root, Tony Root, Ben (Jenny) Root, Aaron Root, Eric Smith, and Chad Smith; and one great-niece, Olivia Root.
Jim was preceded in death by his father, Orrin "Jerry" Root; and father-in-law, William "Bill" Reed.
Memorial services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, 2007, at the Corson Auditorium on the Interlochen Center for the Arts campus, with Elder Douglas Virgil of the Church of Christ Restored officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday from noon until the time of the services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Munson Medical Center Stroke Unit or the Interlochen Center for the Arts.
Arrangements are being handled by Bennett-Barz Funeral Home of Beulah; www.bennett-barzfuneralhome.com
This obituary was originally published in the Record-Eagle.
Judy, Chad and Jeremy
We are so sorry to hear of Jim's passing, it was a shock to us to say the least. We will miss his smiling face when you both walked by the house every night. If you need anything, anything at all please know that you can call on us. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Dawn, Mitch and Tiffany Hackett
January 22, 2007 | Interlochen, MI
Dear Judy and family
We are so sad. Jim was always a happy guy and so friendly. We will miss him. You are in our prayers.
Dick and Linda Jorgensen
Dick and Linda Jorgensen
January 13, 2007 | Hot Springs Village, AR
Dear Judy,
Words can not express what you and your family are going through. Please know you are all in my thoughts every day. Please call on me for anything. You and I have a common bond. Love, Janet
Janet Burt
January 12, 2007 | Interlochen
Judy,
We were so sorry to hear about Jim. He will be greatly missed. He always had a smile for everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Will call you soon.
Much love,
Harley & Mary
Harley & Mary Marsh
January 12, 2007 | Brownsville, TX
The Root Family,
We all have fond memories of growing up with Jim. As kids, we played games of all kinds and hunted for frogs in the pond together. He will be missed. Bless you all.
The Pike Family down the road.
Carol (Pike) Makinen
January 11, 2007 | Mesick, MI
Dear Judy,
Dennis and I were so sorry to hear about Jim's death. Know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Betty and Dennis Bushey
January 11, 2007 | Traverse City, MI
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
George Shari & Wayne Ricket
January 11, 2007 | Interlochen, MI
Dear Judy, Chad and Jeremy,
We were shocked and saddened to receive news of Jim's untimely death last Friday. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you in the coming days and months. Jim was a friendly, caring person who we always enjoyed seeing on the Interlochen Campus. He had a smile which we will always remember.
Most Sincerely, Carol and Chuck Emmons
Charles and Carol Emmons Jr
January 11, 2007 | Chicago, IL
Dear Judy --
It is in these times that words fail us in expressing our love for you and your family. We have seen the closeness of your family and we know that during this time you will be holding and helping each other. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We are here and available for you if there is anything we can do to help.
Love Thom and Donna
Thom and Donna Paulson
January 10, 2007 | Traverse City, MI
