Jim Long

KALKASKA - James R. “Jim” Long, 73, of Kalkaska, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, surrounded by his loving family at Kalkaska Memorial Health Center – LTC. Born on Oct. 19, 1935, in Kalkaska, he was the son of the late Leslie and Mary Long. Jim was a veteran and served our country honorably as a U.S. Marine. He was an independent builder in the Kalkaska area over 40 years. Jim’s hobbies included fishing, dancing; hunting, walking and participating in charity walks. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Jim had an overwhelming capacity to help anyone at a moment’s notice with no expectation of any return. His kindness and love for family and friends was evident in his everyday life. Jim’s life statement was, “never a bad day.” His favorite statement was, “I’m mean, ornery contrary, inconsiderate, and just don’t give a d***.” But, truth be told, he had a heart of gold. Surviving Jim are his children, Kimmely Tanis of Sidney, Neb., Christopher (Lisa) Long of Kalkaska, Theresa (Lee) Valliant of Raeford, N.C., and Scott (Deborah) Long of Traverse City; the mother of his children, Rosa Perkins of Kalkaska; 10 grandchildren; siblings, Pearl (Wendel) Pluff, Esther (Allen) Rich, all of Battle Creek, Duane (Terrie) Long and Jerry (Kaye) Long, all of Kalkaska and Jerry Dale (Ella) Long of Cadillac. Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Bennie “Bud” Long; and grandson, Devin P. Bergeron. Visitation will be held on today, Sept. 14, from 5 until 8 p.m., at Wolfe-O’Neill Funeral Home. The funeral service will be on Tuesday at 1 p.m., also at the funeral home. Military honors will be provided by the Kalkaska VFW Post 8684. Burial will follow services at Fairview Cemetery in Mancelona. Friends and family are invited to a luncheon at the CETA Hall on County Road 612 in Kalkaska following burial services. Memorials may be given on behalf of Jim to his family, c/o Wolfe-O’Neill Funeral Home, 106 S. Cherry St., Kalkaska, MI 49646. Please share thoughts and memories with Jim’s family on his online guest book at www.wolfeoneill.com Arrangements were made by Wolfe-O’Neill Funeral Home, our family serving yours.

Tributes

Jim Long

October 19, 1935 - September 12, 2009