James W. Dreyer

1932 - 2022

James W. Dreyer
James W. Dreyer died July 27 at the Toni & Trish house in Auburn, MI. Born January 6th ,1932 to May (Kloha) and J. Ward Dreyer in Bay City, MI, Jim moved with family to Saginaw, where he graduated from Saginaw High School in 1949. He continued his education at Bay City Junior College followed by graduation from the University of Michigan in 1954 where he was a member of the Michigan Marching Band trumpet section. Go Blue! Music was a big part of Jim's life. He started playing gigs at 13 yrs old and formed his own band at 15 yrs of age. Upon hearing that his two year tour of duty stationed in Stuttgart included playing in the Seventh Army Band, traveling around Germany giving concerts, and playing baseball for the Army Base team, a friend remarked that she thought he owed the government some money. He also played trumpet for The Midland Concert Band and Richmond VA concert band.
Jim met and married Maryanne Sinclair in Midland, on January 11th, 1958. They were married for 64 yrs and enjoyed tennis, golf, traveling, spectator sports, playing bridge and live theater over the years. They were blessed with four children and eight grandchildren who graced their lives with great love and joy.
Jim joined Dow Chemical in 1956 and worked in sales positions in Los Angeles, CA, Midland MI, and as General manager of the Richmond VA and San Francisco, CA sales offices. Upon retiring in 1985, Jim spent 17 yrs. as a technical recruiter with his firm James and Richards which he and his partner, Richard Lamos founded in Richmond, VA.
A gymrat by nature, Jim was a fan of high school and college sports, especially basketball because he had officiated many games in the Saginaw Valley League. He also served as tournament referee for Michigan Opens at the tennis center in Midland.
This past year, all three generations of Jim's family were present at a celebration of his 90th birthday This memory will live on in our hearts. A gathering of the family will take place at a later date.
Jim is survived by his wife Maryanne, son J. Michael (Julie)Dreyer of Brookfield, WI, daughters Katherine (Shawn) Decker of Midland, Amy Nielsen (Kurt) of Danville, CA, and daughter in law Lisa Dreyer of Arlington Hts, Chicago. Also grandchildren, Dr. Marie Dreyer of Chicago, Jack Dreyer of Chicago, Joseph Decker of Seattle, WA, Will Decker of Los Angeles, Lauren Nielsen of Oakland, CA, Eric Nielsen of Reno, NV., Annelise Dreyer and James Dreyer of Chicago, sisters in law Shirley Snider and Roberta Sinclair, plus many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son William Dreyer and sister Jeanne Wilson.
Memorials may be made to Toni & Trish House in Auburn, MI.
In his own words please remember to "take two and hit to right."