James Elliott Dearing

James Elliott Dearing, 91 of Boyne City, passed away at home on Friday, January 11, 2019.

Born on May 2, 1927 in River Rouge, James was the son of Harold H. and Maxine A. (Elliott) Dearing.  A graduate of Pontiac High School, James served in the United States Army as part of the Occupation Forces in Belgium and Germany.

After returning home, James attended Albion College, Michigan State University and the University of Detroit, from where he received his Bachelor of Science degree.  He enjoyed a successful career with Pontiac Motor Division of General Motors as an Engineer.

James was an avid photographer and bicyclist.  A short story author, one of his stories about his time as an Army Paratrooper was published in the Smithsonian Air & Space magazine.  James was also a dog lover, especially his dogs, Baron, Bellamy, Rebel, Bennie and BooBoo.

On August 24, 1951, James married Ellen McKibben in Toledo, Ohio.  They lived in and raised their family in Pontiac.  James always remembered their wedding day as one of the most significant days in his life.  Ellen was truly the love of his life and he had missed her every day since her death on February 7, 1998.  He moved from Commerce Township to Boyne City in 2001.

Surviving are his children, Elizabeth (Mark) Jurecki, Stephen Dearing, John (Bev) Dearing, Sarah Dearing, Marty (Paul Mercier) Dearing and Hugh (Pam) Dearing; grandchildren, Fay, Audrey, Michael, Kelley, Miranda, Matthew and Ellen; a sister, Margaret Pittman; a brother, David P. Dearing; and several nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents and his beloved Ellen, James was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Janice Dearing; and sisters, Doris Ransom and Dorothy Hayward.

In keeping with his wishes, the family will remember him privately.  Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com