James "Jim" A. Slagor's Obituary
James “Jim” Slagor of Grand Blanc, Michigan passed away unexpectedly at age 74 on Sunday August 18, 2024, fittingly, on a fishing trip. Those who loved Jim knew him as an avid outdoorsman marked by his passion, enduring faith in God, love of family, and goofy sense of humor.
Jim will be missed by his beloved wife of 54 years, ReeAnn; his cherished children, Abby (Jason) Prater of Lake Orion, MI; Melissa (Richard) Gould of Flint, MI; Andrew (Nicole) Slagor of St. Joseph, MI; and Beth (Nathan) Chaffee of St. Joseph, MI; his precious grandchildren, Georgia, Aiden, Isaac, Connor, Gavin, Eli, Sawyer, and Josiah; honorary grandchildren Persephone, Roman, EmmaGrace, Matilda, and Asher; his siblings, Chet Slagor and Ednalouise Dennee; his friend Bill Stanton; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Chester Slagor and Edna Louise Barker, stepfather Robert Barker, and brother Hollis Barker.
Jim was born on June 29, 1950, in Flint, Michigan, to Chester and Edna (Lewis) Slagor. He was a 1968 graduate of Kearsley High School where he was a founding member of the band Zookie & the Potentates. Jim met his high school sweetheart, ReeAnn Faiver, at church in 1968. On July 18, 1970, they married in their hometown of Flint, Michigan and have been madly in love ever since. His pride and joy was raising their four children together.
Jim served his apprenticeship with UAW Local 533 and graduated from the Trade & Technical Center at Mott Community College in 1972. Jim was a dedicated employee of General Motors for 35 years, working as a tinsmith and in various capacities like team leader, until his retirement in 2007. He was an active member of the UAW Local 651.
He was never one to rest on his laurels and was a hard worker throughout his life. After retirement, he continued to work for a number of years in the maintenance department at Faith Baptist Church and School, where he and ReeAnn were active members. Jim taught fishing at summer camps such as The Wilds, Bayshore Camp, Camp CoBeAc and Camp Konrad. He was a passionate ballplayer in the Senior Softball League, and he and ReeAnn took great joy in the “Back to the Bricks” classic car club. He loved maintaining his flowers and delighted in seeing what would grow, even in unexpected places. Most of all, Jim was a doer. He was always there to help with whatever project needed finishing, lending his expertise and help to whoever needed it.
A man of many hobbies, he will be remembered as a true outdoorsman - enjoying hunting, fishing, boating, camping, and hiking. He also loved practical jokes, trivia, and telling stories. A lifelong music-lover, Jim sang with unbridled joy. His childlike wonder and thirst for exploration was charming to those who knew him and irresistible to his favorite people in the world - his grandchildren. He loved being with his entire family but especially the grandkids, who all adored him.
Jim’s family and friends will hold visitation from 3PM–7PM on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at Faith Baptist Church in Davison, MI. Funeral services will be held at 11AM on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Faith Baptist Church, officiated by Pastor Shawn Kook. The family will privately gather for an interment at Maple Gibson Cemetery in Grand Blanc following his funeral service.
Memorial contributions may be given to the family for future designation. Please leave a message of comfort for Jim’s family or sign his guest book at www.EinederFuneralHomes.com.
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