James C. Rivard Sr.

James C. Rivard, Sr., age 66, of 477 S. Kirkpatrick Lane, Gwinn, died in the loving arms of his family and in the care of Lake Superior Hospice Association after a short illness on Sunday, December 31, 2006. Mr. Rivard was born on February 3, 1940 in Stambaugh, Michigan to the late James O. and Palia Frighetto Rivard. He was a 1958 graduate of Stambaugh High School. After graduation, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army serving during peace time in France. He was formerly employed with Northwest Range Mining Company, the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company and Norman Oil Company of Chatham as a truck driver and mechanic. All of Jim's most memorable moments were spent with his family. He is survived by his wife and friend of over 50 years, the former Mary Kirkpatrick Rivard of Gwinn; three children, Terresa Stanton Bigham of Marquette, Michelle Ann James Stephens of Colorado Springs, CO and James C. Julie Rivard, Jr. of Ishpeming; 9 grandchildren, Keith and Kirsten Johnstone, Zachary, Jace, Taylor and Madison Stephens, Austin and Paige Rivard, and Karli Bigham; 3 step-grandchildren, Aaron Pam, Cody and Danielle Bigham; a great grandson, Brenden Bigham; also two brothers-in-law, John Peggy Kirkpatrick of Daggett, MI and Rodney Terry Kirkpatrick of Crystal Falls, MI. A memorial service will be held on Friday at 4 p.m. in the Gwinn Funeral Home with the Rev. Ben Paris officiating. The family will greet relatives and friends at the funeral home beginning at 3 p.m. Friday. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Lake Superior Hospice Association, 326 N. Front Street, Marquette, MI 49855. Jim's family would like to thank the staff at Wright and Filippis as well as Dr. Kroll and Dr. 'Z' for their loving care and support of the family during this difficult time.