James Douglas "Jim" Molby

1942 - 2023

James "Jim" Douglas Molby, age 81, of Riverdale passed away Thursday, October 12, 2023, at MyMichigan Medical Center in Midland. He was born June 7, 1942, in Alma, to Samuel and Mildred (Anderson) Molby. He graduated from Alma High School in 1960. Jim grew up on his family's dairy farm that was established in 1928. He continued farming by raising crops and farm animals. Jim was a dedicated father who led by example in every aspect of his life. Not only did he continue farming, Jim was employed at Total Petroleum Refinery for over 35 years. He worked his way up from manual laborer to a systems operator & fire chief. Jim was an accomplished bowler, coach, outdoorsman, baby-holder, sports fan, hardworking, fisherman, traveler, advisor, hunter, listener & family man. He grew up loving to play sports and even enjoyed watching any game with a strategy. Farming eventually got in the way of his sports. Jim then joined the FFA and judged dairy cattle in Gratiot County. He married and had 4 beautiful children to hold and instill hard work ethic on the farm. Jim took the kids camping, coached little league, went on fishing trips with co-workers, and traveled all over the country hunting, racing snowmobiles, and enjoying life. In 1972, he harvested a record breaking 15-point buck in the Upper Peninsula. Jim joined the farmers bowling league with his father and enjoyed the game so much; he traveled even more on his pursuit, of the elusive 300 game. He has 4 rings to honor his 299 & 298 games. As life goes, Jim divorced after 20 plus years of marriage and years later met and married a wonderful woman with 2 children. He was soon blessed with another child and the beginning of grandchildren, to continue his love of baby-holding. Jim loved every phone call and visit by his family and friends. He felt very loved and would give the best advice that he thought they needed to hear. Jim enjoyed teaching the family's children and grandchildren how to hunt, bowl, fish, filet and cook the fish from their family gatherings at the lake. After retirement, he purchased the Elm Hall Methodist Church, converting it into "The Apartments" to provide needed area housing giving back to his community. Jim was a fun, joke-telling, loving Husband, Dad, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Brother, and Uncle who will be dearly missed. He became a friend to all who met him and was quick to help those in need. Jim is survived by his wife of 37 years, Clara Molby; seven children, Robin Berry, Scott (Hilda) Molby, Patrick (Zarinah) Molby James; Tyler (Dawn) Every, Angela (Steve) Williams, Denise Every-Conkel, Jennifer (Anthony) Malone; 19 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; a sister, Louise (Ken) Walkiewicz; and a brother-in-law, Richard Peter. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Janet Peter. Memorial services will be held at Lincoln Road United Methodist Church on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at 2pm with a meal to follow. Those desiring may make memorial contributions to Lincoln Road United Methodist Church, 9479 W Lincoln Rd, Riverdale, MI 48877. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Lux and Schnepp Funeral Home, Riverdale. To view James' obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.luxfuneralhomes.com