James McNutt

1935 - 2024

James McNutt
James McNutt passed away March 27, 2024.
Jim was born in Lansing, Michigan, January 28, 1935.
He graduated from Rodney Wilson High School St Johns, Michigan, in 1953. He played football on the state championship team which was later inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame.
He graduated from Michigan State University (MSU) in 1957 with a degree in Criminal Justice; he later earned a Master's Degree in the same field. A lifelong member of the MSU Alumni Association, he loyally supported the Spartans (Go Green!) He loved to sing and would often regale the family with renditions of the Spartan Fight Song, MSU Shadows, as well as his favorite country music songs.
He married Mary Jane Wassa whom he affectionately referred to as "Lovey" on October 12, 1957 at St. Cyril's Catholic Church in Bannister Michigan. He was a long time member of St. Brigid Catholic Church in Midland.
He was employed as a Probation and Parole agent until he was appointed Sheriff of Midland County in 1976. As Sheriff he was proud of implementing several programs such as jail school and work release for inmates, BAYANET as a multi - jurisdictional drug enforcement partnership, and the DARE program. He was President of the Michigan Sheriff Association, and member of the National Sheriff Association. The Michigan Bar Association bestowed upon him the Liberty Bell Award.
In 1990 he was elected to the Michigan State House representing the 102nd and 98th district. He served the great state of Michigan until 1998, and won Legislator of the Year in 1996. In 2021 the Michigan Legislature honored him with a Legislative Tribute. He thoroughly enjoyed serving Michigan citizens, and after retirement many of his stories would start with "When I was in the Legislature…"
After his service with the Legislature, he worked as a Lobbyist for former Speaker of the House, Lou Dodak.
During his various careers, and also in retirement, he was actively involved in community organizations such as the Kiwanis Club, Knights of Columbus, and he served on several boards including Cleveland Manor and the Michigan Mental Health Association. He also volunteered as a driver for Senior Services.
Jim was an avid outdoorsman, and he loved gardening and hunting. As a fisherman he received two Master Angler Awards through the state of Michigan. He wasn't afraid to try a new skill so took up wood working, creating projects such as book shelves, tables, and decorative pieces. His wife quipped that this new hobby necessitated many trips to Lowes (measure twice cut once!)
Jim, Mary Jane, and their family spent summers at their cottage on Grand Lake fostering treasured memories. He captained the USS Mildred, a sturdy green and white pontoon boat named after a beloved Aunt. He put on many nautical miles fishing, tubing, and taking passengers on sunset cruises. Jim would entertain the family around the campfire with humorous stories about his life experiences and adventures. He also tried his hand at sailing the small sailboats at the Lake-sometimes the USS Mildred became a rescue boat.
He cheered for Michigan sports teams, even arch rival University of Michigan Wolverines, but especially the Detroit Tigers and Lions. He hated seeing the Tigers struggle and would want to turn off the game, but Mary Jane insisted they watch until the last batter in the bottom of the ninth.
Jim is survived by his daughters Laura (Dale) Foster of Midland, Karen (Anthony) Flores of Lansing, Kathleen (Barry) of Palo Alto, California; his granddaughters, Sara Gottler of Midland; Mary Elizabeth and Hope Ann Flores of Encinitas, California; Iris and Theresa Hart of Palo Alto, California; his great-grandsons Emmet and Aidan Gottler of Midland; and his sister-in-law Millie Wassa of St. Johns. Jim was preceded in death by his parents Wilbur and Idella McNutt, his brothers Wilbur and Robert McNutt and his sister Lucille Rendel.
The Funeral Liturgy for Jim will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at St. Brigid of Kildare Catholic Church with Father Andy Booms as celebrant. Jim's family will receive friends and family at St. Brigid Catholic Church from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. before the funeral mass.
Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the St. Brigid Catholic Church or School.
All of us at Ware Smith Woolever are honored the McNutt family has entrusted us with the care of their loved one. Condolences to the family may be made at wswfh.com.