James R. Goral

James Raymond Goral, age 81, of Indian River, died at home on Tuesday evening, June 10, 2025. Born in Detroit on February 16, 1944, Jim was the son of August and Dorothy (Baller) Goral. When they were just teenagers, Jim met the love of his life, Dianne Bishop. They married on June 12, 1967, in Indian River, where they made their home and raised two sons.
Jim was a licensed contractor who built custom log homes throughout the state of Michigan. Known for superior craftsmanship in the log home industry, his company, Goral Builders, also traveled to build homes throughout the United States. He was a practical man with humble ways therefore he pulled a camper with an old truck to out of town jobs. He slept in rest areas and truck stops along the way sometimes making unexpected pitstops to refill the radiator and smack the fuel pump with a wrench. He wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty, was always up for a challenge, and loved working on old vehicles. Jim was passionate about his work and with his expertise continued to consult on jobs right until the day he passed away.
A collector of treasures, Jim saved and collected scrap wood, lumber, nuts, bolts, washers, and a host of other things. After all, you never know when you might need something! He enjoyed working in his garden and mowing the lawn. If anyone could be called an avid lawn mower, it would be Jim. Jim and Dianne enjoyed traveling, especially to the UP when their boys were young. The past few years Jim was able to travel out west visiting family and making new friends along the way. He always came home with great stories to share with everyone. When Dianne wanted to try making maple syrup, Jim jumped right in to help and soon took over the process. One of his favorite places was his sugar shack where he boiled sap into maple syrup for more than fifty years.
Quite a character, Jim was unique in a good way. Blessed with the gift of gab, he was friendly and talked to everyone. He was a gifted storyteller who loved to share somewhat embellished tales of his life, his travels, and people he met along the way. Jim was a bit of a tease who loved getting a reaction or leave people wondering. He was determined, hardworking, and not one to sit idle. And if he asked for help on one of his "20-minute projects", there was no such thing and you had better set aside most of the day! He did things his way and was tough as nails with a stubborn streak. One thing is certain, Jim stood apart and left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Jim will be deeply missed by his sons, Ryan (Lisa) of Indian River and Jim (Becky) of Petoskey; grandchildren, Amber (EJ), Andrew (Shawana), Tyler, Emily (Cody) Smith, and Trevor (Kenzie); as well as nine great grandchildren; his sister, Jackie Knight of Afton and brother, Bob (Doris) Goral of California.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Dianne, in 2013 and sisters, Donna, Pat, Peggy, and Linda.
Cremation has taken place and James will be remembered by his family privately.