James K. Mortimore

James "Jim" K. Mortimore, of White Lake, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed into eternal life at home on Sunday morning, October 6, 2024, at the age of 77. Born on August 30, 1947, in Pontiac, Michigan, to the late Keith and Marianne (Kircher) Mortimore, Jim lived a life defined by hard work, kindness, and a deep commitment to faith and family.
Jim's career began humbly at McDonald's, but his passion and precision soon led him to civil engineering and drafting. He spent years at J & A Associates, a surveying company in Waterford, where his meticulous plans earned him widespread respect. His career path took a pause when he entered the U.S. Air Force, serving proudly in Wyoming and later in England. Jim met and married his first wife of 17 years, Betty (Lovato), with whom he shared two children, Tammy and James.
In the mid-1980s, Jim's life took a beautiful turn when he met Susan (Stabler), who would become his second wife. Together, Jim and Susie enjoyed 34 wonderful years of marriage, filled with love, faith, and adventure. Around the same time, Jim joined JCK & Associates in Novi, where his drafting work was known for its impeccable quality and attention to detail.
Jim retired from J & A Associates in the early 2000s but continued to stay active and engaged, taking on a part-time job at Brentwood Golf Club in White Lake. He loved being on the course, maintaining golf carts, and enjoying the game he cherished. A lover of the open skies, Jim fulfilled a lifelong dream in 2015 when he completed his solo flight, a testament to his passion for flying.
A man of many interests, Jim played the guitar, enjoyed classic Eagles music, and had a sweet tooth, especially for ice cream. He was known for his love of Corvettes and didn't hesitate to attend Eagles concerts by himself, embracing life with quiet confidence. He was also a caring soul, nurturing a stray cat, "Howard," for 16 years after finding him on a job site.
Jim was known for his neat and clean appearance-always pressed, proper, and perfect, both in his personal style and his work. His drawings were fastidious, a reflection of the care he took in every part of his life. His faith was central to who he was, and he proudly observed Catholic traditions, particularly during Lent, where he remained steadfast in his commitment to Lenten practices like abstaining from meat on Fridays and enjoying fish fries.
Quiet, sensitive, and kind, Jim always put others before himself. He was deeply loved and will be remembered for his sweet, selfless nature, his deep faith, and the love he showed to all who were blessed to know him.
Jim is the beloved husband of 34 years to Susan; proud father of Tammy Schloff and James Mortimore; loving "bonus-father' to Pam (Jim) McGowan and Laura (Steve) Veldhof; dear brother of Kathleen Bertram, Barb (Gene) Ferber, and the late Thomas Mortimore; and cherished grandfather of Tara (fiancé Nick DeAngelis) Contor, Maggie (fiancé Mason Martin) McGowan, Ashley (Peter) Weyers, Marin McGowan, Lindsey Veldhof, Abbey Veldhof, Mark Veldhof, and Ava Mortimore.
Family and friends may gather at the Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home in downtown Farmington on Monday, October 14, from 11 am until the start of the 1:00 pm Memorial Ceremony.
In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes are kindly suggested to Adopt-A-Pet, Fenton, MI.
Jim's legacy of love, faith, and kindness will continue to shine in the hearts of all who knew him.