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James LaBean Obituary
Jim (James Henry) LaBean died on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at the age of 85. Jim was born in 1939 to George and Dorothy (Kraus)LaBean. He was raised on a farm in Pinconning, Michigan and graduated in 1957 from St. Michael's High School. He received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Tech and an M.A. in Industrial Management and Technology from Central Michigan University. He obtained a license as a Michigan Registered Professional Engineer.
In 1960 Jim married (Mary) Sue McDonnell, his high school sweetheart, and together they raised five great children: Barbara Flaugher, Julie (Ben) Thomas, Thom (Laurie) LaBean, John (Meghan) LaBean, and Dave (Jana) LaBean. Jim had a great sense of humor. He loved a good joke. He loved hunting, fishing, walking and the outdoors.
Jim had an interesting career working with Collins Radio Co. on the communication system for the Apollo Space Project. Followed by a 30 year career with Dow Chemical Co., he retired in 1995, as the Manager of Michigan Engineering. Jim also served on local boards including the West Midland Family Center and the Arnold Center. He was on the Boy Scouts Advisory Board and represented Dow Chemical Company in the United Way Community Fund Drive. He was a Dow loaned Project Engineer on the second gymnasium addition to the Midland Community Center. For many years he representer Dow at the 4-H Live Animal auctions at the Midland County Fair.
Jim is survived by his wife, Sue; all five of their children; eight grandchildren: Jennifer (Vince) Seidle, Ronnie Bressler, Jessi (Daniel) Gudgeon, Connor LaBean, Tyler (Cayla) LaBean, Rachel Lowry, Katie LaBean, Greta LaBean; seven great grandchildren: James and Sophie Bressler, Cami Seidle, Draydon and Denley Gudgeon, Leo and Laylah Lowry; his brother, Leonard LaBean; his sisters: Janet Selleck and Elaine (Mark) Moszyk; his sister in-laws: Carol LaPan, Mary (Aki) Yasuda, Donna Dameron, Patsy ( Roger) Dryden; his brothers-in-law: Walt, Tom, Mike, and Adam (Irene) McDonnell. He was predeceased by his parents; his brothers-in-law: Del Selleck, Pat McDonnell, Tony LaPan, Rick Dameron; his son-in-law Steve Flaugher and his niece, Hannah.
A celebration of his life is planned at a private family gathering in the future. Memorials may be made to the West Midland Family Center.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James LaBean
6 Entries
Bob Evans
November 4, 2024
Sue and family So sorry to hear of Jims passing
DIANNE WILLIAMS
November 3, 2024
I only met Jim once and it was at his Dow retirement party. My father in law Harold Williams knew he liked to joke around a lot so when we arrived, my father in law introduced me as his wife!!! Boy did Jim´s mouth drop open as I was only 35 years old at the time. We played this little "game" until the end of the party. My father in law finally introduced me correctly before we left. I will never forget that night. May Jim rest in peace and our prayers go out to the entire family. Dianne and George Williams
Linda dufseth
November 1, 2024
I have known jim for 50+ years. He was a special friend. I am sad knowing that he is no longer with us.but i know what he will say when we meet again. My sincerest sympathies to sue and his family.he was a good one. Sincerely linda dufseth.
Virginia Bales
November 1, 2024
So sorry to see this. Prayers of comfort for you and your family.
Virginia Bales
Kathy Francis
October 31, 2024
I have such great memories of working for Jim LaBean at Dow Chemical, 572 Bldg with CCP and the many department parties and safety meetings. My prayers and condolences go out to all his family and may your fond memories ease your sadness. God Bless, Kathy Francis
Shelli
October 31, 2024
Jim (&Sue) have been awesome next door neighbors for the last 30+ years. We will miss him greatly! Mike and Shelli
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