Edward Casey

08/08/1933 - 08/15/2025

BORN

08/08/1933

DIED

08/15/2025

UPCOMING SERVICE

Memorial Service

Aug. 26, 2025

1:00 p.m.

First (Park) Congregational Church

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Edward Casey Obituary

Name: Memorial service for Edward Casey
Start: 2025-08-26T13:00:00.000Z
Location: First (Park) Congregational Church

Edward James Casey, Jr. was born on August 7, 1933 to Neva Pauline Saur and Edward James Casey, Sr., in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Jim passed peacefully, surrounded by family at home on August 15, 2025, a week after celebrating his 92nd birthday.
Jim grew up in Kent City, graduating from Kent City High School in 1951 and Western Michigan College in 1955. Jim met the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth (Betts) Snyder at Western Michigan College, and they were married on December 10, 1955. Jim was a member of ROTC, and after graduating in 1955, he served for a time as a First Lieutenant in the Quartermaster Corps in Fort Lee, Virginia.
At the age of 14, because his father, recovering from kidney stones, Jim received a special driver's license to chauffeur his father ? a manufacturer's sales representative for the textile industry ? around the state to call on customers. This experience ignited a passion for sales, and upon his father's retirement, Jim took over the territory, eventually expanding it to include several Midwest states with sub-representatives.
Boating was a big part of the family's summers with annual cruises along the Michigan coast. In 1971, Jim was part of a group of boaters from North Shore Marina who founded the Riviera Yacht Club and subsequently served as its third Commodore from 1973-1974. The burgee, still in use today, was designed by Betts Casey.
For several years, Jim taught classes in charting for the US Power Squadron. Jim enjoyed his involvement with the YMCA – Y Men's Service Club and the Santa Claus Girls. For many years, Jim served as an usher at Park Church.
Jim is predeceased by his parents, his wife of 67 years, Betts, his sister, Patricia Casey, his brother-in-law, Charles Patterson, and his brother-in-law, George Snyder. He is survived by his children, Liz Casey Bode (Bill), Jim Casey III (Sue), Cindy Casey Myers (Kurt). Grandchildren: Chris (Ashley) Bode, Katy (John) Salter, Greg (Samantha) Bode, Jamey (Abby) Casey IV, Matthew (Hailey) Myers, Sarah Myers. Great Grandchildren: Max and Molly Bode, Grayson and Adelyn Salter, Blake and Dylan Bode, Calvin Myers, and Elliott Casey. Nieces and nephew: Casey (Julie) Patterson, Kathy (Tom) Marks, Jean (Bruce) Hawley, Sara Snyder (Laura Kelleher), Beth (Chuck) Dierkes. Sister-in-law: Claudia Snyder.
A celebration of Jim's life will take place on August 26, 2025 at First (Park) Congregational Church. The memorial service is 1pm with a reception to follow.
Memorials may be made to First (Park) Congregational Church (10 East Park Place NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503) in memory of Jim Casey.

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

Published by Grand Rapids Press from Aug. 20 to Aug. 23, 2025.

Memorial Events
for Edward Casey

Aug

Memorial service

1:00 p.m.

First (Park) Congregational Church

10 East Park Place NE, Grand Rapids, MI

Memories and Condolences
for Edward Casey

Sponsored by The Family.

6 Entries

Lee McAllister

Yesterday

There are so many things I can say about Jim Casey, but I'll start with this: He was the classiest gentleman I have ever met in my life. When I think of Jim Casey (E.J. to my dad) I think about how much his friendship (and his wife Betts too) meant to my parents in some of their darkest times. He stood by when others did not, a true man of his word. He walked the walk. And in the good times, and there were many, his laugh and that smile of his brightened up even the gloomiest day. What I loved best is that he was a great listener, which is what made him such a great salesman. He made you feel special. He had a knack of making you talk so that HE could listen. As children, we had some great times at the Casey household, literally one of the few places you wanted to travel to with your parents. Much better than going to see the relatives!! Later, going to the Michigan games to tailgate with Mom and Dad and the Caseys was the best. Jill and I couldn't wait to get to Ann Arbor and join in the fun and conversation. I lived for that Dill popcorn!! And thankfully, we were able to stop by and visit Jim occasionally in these last few years, and each visit was full of stories and great memories, and I will miss that, and him, so much. Liz, Jimmy and Cynthia, we love you because your parents loved us. And how we loved them. Our hearts are heavy for you. Love You. Lee and Jill

Bill Kooyer

August 24, 2025

Jim!...we´re going to miss you, Neighbor! RIP.

Marcia Hammontree

Planted Trees

marcia hammontree

August 23, 2025

Wonderful memories of family dinners and lots and lots of Jim's stories. He was a true gentleman.

Carol Dodge

August 22, 2025

How blessed I am to have known Jim - and Betts, too. Jim's smile made one feel happy - it was always a joy to visit with him. He was one special guy. I send my deepest sympathy to the family. He will be missed, but what grand memories we have of Jim.

V. Scott

August 20, 2025

Thank you for your service Sir

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