James Trail

In Loving Memory of James Trail Beloved Husband, Devoted Father, Proud Veteran, and Contented Soul
James Trail, a lifelong resident of Clawson, Michigan, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2025, at Corewell/BeaumontHospital in Royal Oak. He was 95 years old, just shy of his 96th birthday.
Born in Detroit to William and Nellie Trail, James was raised in Clawson, where he built a life grounded in hard work and deep-rooted values. A proud graduate of Clawson High School, Class of 1946, James was a spirited athlete who played both basketball and baseball, and the flute in the marching band, setting the foundation for a lifetime of camaraderie, laughter, and community connection.
James served his country with honor in the United States Navy during the Korean War, an experience that shaped his character and instilled in him the enduring values of service, discipline, and dedication. After his time in the military, he continued to serve his community through decades of work in customer service at DTE, where he was known for his reliability, warmth, and optimism.
Beyond his professional and military life, James was a proud member of the Clawson and Troy Elks and the AMVETS, and he found great joy on the golf course. He was a regular on the Clawson golfing league at Greystone Golf Course, where he shared many rounds and much laughter with longtime friends.
Above all, James was a family man-a loving husband, a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose legacy lives on in the many lives he touched. He is survived by his children: Cathy (Ralph) Haney, Becky Stanton (Tod, deceased), and James (Joy) Trail; grandchildren: Jeff (Holli), Steve (Amy), Christie (Dennis), William (Mahua), Melissa (James), Jeff (Maggie), Amy (Stewart), Jim, Brian, Jordan, Aaron (Becky), and Abby; and great-grandchildren: Blake, Brett, Hannah, Emma, Sarah, Dru, Brooke, Ibrahim, Maya, Luke, Nathan, and Avery. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret Trail.
His warmth, loving heart, and gentle spirit will be missed dearly but remembered always. A memorial gathering to celebrate James's life will be held on Sunday, April 6, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Gramer Funeral Home, 705 North Main Street, Clawson, MI 48017.
His cremated remains will be laid to rest with military honors at Great Lakes National Cemetery, a fitting tribute for a life lived with integrity, humor, and grace.
Though he may have left this world, James Trail's laughter, stories, and steadfast love will live on in the hearts of all.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Salvation Army as Dad was a great supporter of their organization. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James, please visit our floral store.