James E. Belanger

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend, James “Jim” E. Belanger, 84 of Johannesburg, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, May 10, 2016.

Born in Lincoln Park on November 9, 1931, he was the son of Austin and Viola (Millor) Belanger. On November 19, 1952 Jim married Sally J. Sullivan in Detroit.

Jim served proudly in the United States Marine Corps from 1952 to 1954 during the Korean War. He worked for 35 years at Detroit Edison, now DTE Energy, where he was the assistant general supervisor for meter reading in the Wayne-Monroe District. Jim retired in June of 1988. After retiring he and Sally moved to Johannesburg and built a home on property they had purchased in 1969.

Jim was a dedicated, longtime volunteer for over 40 years with Boy Scouts of America. He was a scoutmaster and ranger, a member of the Order of the Arrow and active with Sea Explorer Scouts. Jim could often be found volunteering his time at local summer scout camps, honing his woodworking skills and spending time in the out-of-doors. Jim was honored in 2005 with Order of the Arrow’s highest recognition, the Vigil honor, an award which affirmed his many years of dedicated service to scouting, community and helping others.

Jim cherished spending time with his family.  He especially looked forward to the frequent Skype conversations he had with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

His tremendous legacy will live on in the lives of his family and all those who knew him. Jim is survived by Sally, his wife of 63 years; sons Kim Edward (Yvonne) Belanger of Johannesburg and Noah (Elizabeth) Belanger of Williamston; grandchildren, Jason of Tempe, AZ, Andrew (Sarah) of Williamston, Patrick (Aleksa) of Lansing and Brianne of Williamston; and great grandchildren, Carter, Dylan and Harper of Williamston.  He was preceded in death by one brother and two sisters.

Jim’s family will remember him at a family gathering.  Memorial contributions can be made to the Boy Scouts of America’s 2016 Michigan International Camporee. Checks can be made out to: Michigan International Camporee and sent to C/O John Gardner, 1433 Sand Point Dr., Lansing, MI, 48917.

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com