James G. Stryker

James G. Stryker, 76, of Midland, died Monday, Dec. 4, 2006, at Tendercare of Midland.

The son of the late John O. and Ella (Dykhuis) Stryker was born on Dec. 14, 1929, in Grand Rapids, graduating from Creston High School. He attended Hope College, majoring in voice, and graduated from Michigan State University with a major in sociology in 1958. On Sept. 7, 1957, Jim married the former Rhosan Dobben in Jackson. Jim served with the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict, where he worked in cryptography maintenance in Guam. Jim started his career as owner of Stryker's Hardware in Grand Rapids, then as a housewares buyer for Meijer and later moved to Saginaw where he was the houseware's buyer for the wholesale division of Morley Brothers. Jim then owned and operated Stryker's Marina on Wixom Lake for 24 years, retiring in 1997. He had taught part time at Delta College in the business division and had a passion for sailing, boating and the marina. He was a member of the United Church of Christ, the VFW #3651, Bay Area Marine Dealers Association and a life member of Michigan State University Alumni Association. Time spent with his family and friends at the Fife Lake cottage were treasured memories.

Jim is survived by his wife of 49 years, Rhosan Stryker. He is also survived by his children, Audrey Stryker, MD and her husband Michael Korn of Midland, Gordon J. Stryker and his wife Catherine Davis of Midland, and Gregory J. Stryker and his wife Amanda of Midland; grandchildren, Sarah Korn, Molly Korn, Emily Korn and Kayla Stryker; sister, Ruth Stryker-Smith of Angola; and brother and sister-in-law, John and Joan Dobben of Jackson. Jim also leaves special friends Robert Lees, Linda Cunningham and Darcy Cunningham.

A Memorial funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 15 , 2006, from the United Church of Christ, 4100 Chestnut Hill, Midland, MI 48642 with the Rev. Roger Pancost officiating, with military honors being conducted under the auspices of the U.S. Navy and the Midland Area Veterans.

Visitation will be at the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home on Thursday, Dec. 14 , 2006, from 6 to 8 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorials may be offered to Tendercare of Midland, 4900 Hedgewood Dr., Midland or to the United Church of Christ, 4100 Chestnut Hill, Midland. Personal messages of support may be left for the family at www.wilson-miller.com.

The family would like to offer a special thank you for the dedication and patience of the staff at Tendercare of Midland who have cared for Jim for the past nine years.