Mr. James

Dye, James Barton - loving husband, father and grandfather, died peacefully surrounded by his children on Monday, March 12, 2012 at Heather Hills Care Center in Grand Rapids MI. He was preceded in death by his wife Patricia. He is survived by his children Michael (Carol) of Nashville TN, Debora (Ron) Blackmore of Wayland MI, James (Cathy) of Traverse City MI and Timothy (Becky) of Grand Rapids MI, 13 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and extended family. Born in Traverse City on Sept 19, 1927to Paul and Helen Dye, the family settled in Saginaw where Jim lived until Sept. 2011. Jim attended Saginaw High School and received his bachelors degree from Michigan State and his masters degree in music from University of Southern California. Jim taught for several years before he and his wife Patricia became owners of Saginaw Travel Service and operated it for more than 30 years. He was a lifetime member of the Germania Club of Saginaw and served in many capacities within Kiwanis International including past governor. He was especially proud and gratified with the results of the Clocktower memorial now standing in the courthouse square on Saginaw's west side. The success and longevity of this memorial remains a tribute to Jim's leadership and commitment to Kiwanis and his community. Jim truly believed he'd been blessed with a good life, rich with family, friends and good times, and was humbled by the many blessings that had been bestowed upon him and his family. He enjoyed many hobbies and interests which included traveling, fishing, bowling, golf and a special love for music and the theater. His love for Saginaw and the enrichment of its community and the arts included many community events and activities over the years; among his favorites was conducting the Saginaw Eddy Band summer performances on Ojibway Island. A family memorial service will be held privately at a later time. Donations in Jim's name if desired may be made to Kiwanis of Michigan Foundation, P O Box 231, Mason MI 48854-0231. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book on line at arsulowiczbrothers.com.

Tributes

Mr. James

September 19, 1927 - March 12, 2012