James David Cross' Obituary
James David Cross, age 80 of Mecosta, passed away Tuesday, April 18, 2017 at Spectrum Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, MI. A funeral service will be held Saturday, April 22nd, at 3:00 PM, at Janowicz Family Funeral Home in Remus with Elder James Dunham officiating. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Friday evening from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Jim, as he was known to family and friends, was born to John and Marie Cross in Mecosta on July 30, 1936. Jim graduated from Mecosta High School in May of 1955. On December 23, 1961, Jim married Naomi Bigelow and had three children; Michael Cross of Mt. Pleasant, Maria (John) Overbeek of Delton, and Justin Cross of Delton. Jim had a special place in his heart for his son-in-law, John Overbeek. Jim had eight grandchildren; Chelsea, Jesse, Austin, Jamey, Allison, Brooke, Logan, Aleena. That marriage ended in March 1980.
Jim married Susan Molnar, they have been married for 37 years. Susan brought two children to their marriage; Frank “Alex” (Cheryl) Molnar, and Julia Quillan. Jim had four step-grandchildren; Keegan, Tyler, Zachery, and Jeremy.
Jim was a faithful Jehovah’s Witness all of his life, and was a member of the Remus Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and loved teaching anyone who would listen about Jehovah and His Kingdom, looking forward to Earth being restored to Paradise.
He worked for the State of Michigan, was Director of Indian Education for Chippewa Hills District School, and was part owner of Town and Country Ford in Edmore. One of the things Jim was most proud of was being Chairman of the Mecosta-Morton Twp. Historical Society working for many years to restore the Little River School House at School Section Lake. Jim loved the outdoors with fishing and hunting being his favorite hobbies.
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Susan , children, grandchildren (he called them the Light of His Life),nephews, and nieces. He leaves behind two loving sisters, Joan Hardiman of West Bloomfield, and Jerilyn Lynn of Allegan.
Those wishing to make contributions in Jims honor may make donations to the family.
Friends may share a memory with the family at the funeral home or online at janowiczfh.com
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