James L. Waldie

James L. Waldie
Kawkawlin, Michigan
James Lloyd Waldie, 87, known affectionately as 'Jim' to his friends and family, passed away on September 29, 2025, at McLaren Bay Regional Hospital after a brief illness. Born on June 14, 1938, in Bay City, Michigan, to the late, Lloyd and Doris (Savage) Waldie, and he was a lifelong resident of Kawkawlin, MI. Jim's attended Kawkawlin grade school, and was a graduate of TL Handy High School with the Class of 1956. His patriotic spirit led him to serve his country through enlistment in the Army, for a two-year period during which he honed his discipline and commitment to excellence. Upon returning to civilian life, Jim met and married the love of his life, Sandra Dinse. She preceded him in death on January 20, 2022. He was also preceded in death by his son, John Waldie, his parents and father and mother-in-law, Walter and Magdaline Dinse. Jim's legacy is carried forward by his loving daughters, Kathleen (Troy) Zaucha and Cheryl (Jeffrey) Kuch, his grandchildren, James (Erin) Kuch, Stephanie (Mike) Moore, Tyler, and Jared Kuch, and his great granddaughters Ellie and Lucy Kuch. Jim was a machinist by trade, working for M. Curry and Baker Perkins before joining John Carmeron and Errol Wood in 1972, establishing and successfully operating Cambron Engineering until their retirement in 2005. They turned Cambron Engineering into an ESOP company, passing on their legacy to the employees that helped them become so successful. They mentored many apprentices to journeyman machinist, passing on their wisdom and trade. During Jim's time at Cambron he acquired a US Patent for one of his designs. He loved hunting, fishing, camping, and woodworking. His commitment to shaping young lives shone through his years of service as a Boy Scout Leader. In his later years, Jim found joy in the simple pleasure of morning coffee conversations with friends at Panera, where his laughter and stories were a highlight of the day. Jim Waldie's life story is a testament to the power of kindness, the value of hard work, and the importance of leaving a positive mark on the world. The family would like to share their appreciation to the staff of 6-east and CCU at McLaren Bay Region, Especially Cris, Hailey, Wendy and Kelly. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Faith Lutheran Church, 3033 Wilder Rd, Bay City, MI 48706 with Pastor James Chinery presiding. Family will greet family and friends on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 2:00 – 8:00 pm at the Rivertown Funeral Home, Kawkawlin, MI and on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Faith Lutheran Church from 10:00 am until the time of Service. Burial will take place at Heavenly Rest Cemetery at 2:00 pm on Friday, October 3, 2025.