James Edward Sanders

On October 31st, 2025 at 85 years of age, James (Jim) Edward Sanders left his earthly body to be welcomed into the warm embrace of his Heavenly Father.
Jim was born on November 5th, 1939 to Merl and Edith (Noble) Sanders. Jim was raised with his two older brothers, Bill and Ron, on the shores of Union Lake. His love of water skiing, swimming, fishing and sailing began in his childhood and continued over his next 50+ years living on Union Lake. His first job was opening the Dairy Queen and he arrived for his shift via water skiis! The Dairy Queen remained one of his favorite places, even in his last few months.
Jim attended Walled Lake Central High School where he excelled and played trombone. He was accepted to Michigan Tech to study engineering and was a select member of the "Tech Tones" Barbershop Quartet.
Jim married Dorothy Rose Erwin on May 20th, 1960 at the Apostolic Church of Christ in Pontiac; and together they have been married for 65 years and had seven children. Jim was a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather. He cherished his relation ships with his nieces and nephews and "great" nieces and nephews. Family was so important to him.
Jim was the beloved husband of Dorothy; loving father of Cheryl Kaufman, Sandra (Phil) Johnson, Cynthia (Spencer) Geisen, Jim (Kim) Sanders, Pamela (William) Dailey, John William and William Joseph Sanders. Jim's legacy also includes 17 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren and the nieces and nephews he loved so very much.
Jim's heart for others was exemplified by his years of service at Union Lake Baptist Church (of which his family were founding members). Sunday School superintendent, Wednesday night song leader, Youth group leader, choir member and enthusiastic part of "The Trio".
His ministry was not limited to family and the church, he opened his heart and his home to those who needed a place to live, offered support and generosity to the struggling and provided fatherly guidance for so many. He volunteered untold hours at the Pontiac Rescue Mission/Grace Center of Hope and Westside Christian Academy in Detroit.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to Grace Centers of Hope/Pontiac Rescue Mission.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held:
Saturday, November 15th at 3:00pm
Union Lake Baptist Church
8390 Commerce Road
Commerce Township, MI 48322
A time of fellowship will follow at the church