James L. Faustin

James L. Faustin, age 78, passed away with his family at his side on Friday, October 10, 2025 at McLaren Bay Region after a brief illness. One of 13 children of the late Stanley and Anna (Zelek) Faustin, he was born on February 3, 1947 in Bay City. Jim graduated from Bay City Central High School and went on to proudly serve his country with the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. He returned home and went to work at Saginaw Steering Gear where he retired as a job setter after 36 years of dedicated employment. Jim was very skilled mechanically and for many years he worked on derby and race cars with his sons and family. He especially enjoyed hunting and fishing, bowling, and camping with family and friends. Jim was a member of AMVETS Post #22 and had been a longtime member of St. Hyacinth Catholic Church.
On May 28, 1966 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Jim was united in marriage to the former Barbara J. Sharpe and sadly she preceded him in death on August 6, 2002. Spending time with his family has always been a big part of Jim's life whether it be at home, up north camping or for holidays, and that almost always included a game or two of cards. For the last several years Jim cherished following his grandkids to all their events. From their sports games to school programs, their "Papa" was always there for them.
Jim is survived by his four children, James Faustin (Lori Meyer), Lynn (Rodney) Pavlawk, Jenel (Jon) Kukla and Glenn Faustin; his grandchildren, Jaden Pavlawk (Megan Groulx), Logan (Taylor) Kukla, Alivia Kukla and Avery Kukla and a great grandchild, Lincoln Kukla; two brothers, Donald Faustin and Stan (Anne) Faustin; two sisters, Elizabeth "Betty" Smith and Mary Jane McCabe, and Mary Jane's children, Shane McCabe, Kalyn McCabe and Morgan McCabe; three sisters-in-law, Carol Faustin, Janice Faustin and Mary Ellen Napieralski; two brothers-in-law, James (Joan) Sharpe and Roger (Vicki) Sharpe; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Jim was also preceded in death by six brothers, Robert (Joan) Faustin, Thomas Faustin, Richard (Tamara) Faustin, Jerome Faustin, Roger Faustin and Edward Faustin; two sisters, Janette (Richard) Sullivan and Eileen Bumgarner; a sister-in-law, Rose Lee Faustin; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Glenn and Josephine Sharpe.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at McLaren Bay Region ICU for their kindness, support, and professional care of Jim during his stay.
The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at Trahan Funeral Chapel with Mr. EJ Brown officiating. Interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by the U.S. Air Force and the Bay County Veterans Council. Visiting hours will be on Tuesday from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. with an AMVETS White Clover Ceremony at 6:45 p.m. followed by a Prayer Service led by Pastor Michael Killinger at 7:00 p.m., and on Wednesday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. The family suggests donations in Jim's memory to AMVETS Post 22 or the wishes of the family. Celebrate Jim's life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at www.trahanfc.com