James K Towne

James K. Towne, age 72 of Newaygo, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at his home. Jim was born on November 21, 1935 in Newaygo to Leon and Marguerite (Shick) Towne and later married Karen Millard on March 15, 1958 in Newaygo. Jim joined the United States Army where he was stationed in Germany. Jim started work at the Michigan Wheel Corporation as a machinist where he worked for 32 years until his retirement on January 1, 1998. Jim was part of the St. Mark’s Episcopal Church community, a life member of the Newaygo VFW, Sportsman’s Post #4249, he enjoyed his grandchildren’s sporting and school events, was a huge U of M football fan, enjoyed fishing and hunting and took great pride and care of his yard where he enjoyed feeding the birds and squirrels.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Karen of Newaygo; his daughters, Sonya (Brad) Sylvester of South Haven; Gwen (Pat) Kitchen of Muskegon; his grandchildren, Jim and Lance Sharp; Sarah Sylvester; his brothers, Ken (Kathy) Towne of Fowlerville; Randy (Marge) Towne of Fremont; 4 nieces and 2 nephews; his brother-in-laws, Jack Millard of Tampa and Robert (Evelyn) Millard of Fremont. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Marguerite Towne and his sister, Sandi Jacob.

VISITATION : Thursday 5-8pm at Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont Chapel. FUNERAL SERVICES : Friday at 1pm at the Crandell Funeral Home – Fremont Chapel. MILITARY RITES : Newaygo VFW. INTERMENT : Newaygo Cemetery. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS : Newaygo First Responders or St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Memorial Fund.

Randy & Marge,

In this time of your loss
We lift you up in prayer
We pray that in your sorrow
You’ll find that God is there
And though we can’t be with you
You’re in our thoughts each day
For we will always remember you
When we kneel to pray.

Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your brother.

Cindie Hayward-Simmonds

Griffin, Georgia

Posted 2/7/2008

We are so sorry to hear of this great and unexpected loss. You are in our hearts and our prayers.

Love,

Kathy, Walt, Emily, Cory, and Andrew Sicard

Karen & family,

Our hearts go out to you during this tender time. We have just heard the news of Jim’s passing, and I am sorry that we were not there to share our respects for this wonderful man. You can be very proud of the life the two of you built together. My fondest memories of Jim will always be hearing him at the games. It didn’t matter what the score was, he would still have an opinion on the calls made! What a huge supporter and fan of whatever sport the kids played. You could count on grandpa to be there! I know that he was a role model, mentor, and friend to not only his family, but also to many, many people. May God keep you in his arms, and that you may feel his presence as you pass through this difficult period.

Much love, and a warm hug,

Jay and Carol DeWispelaere

Dear Karen,

I was truly saddened by the news of Jim’s passing. Judy Anderson called me yesterday to tell me the sad news. May the love of your family, friends, and God help you through this most difficult time. We will be in Michigan the last part of March and I will try to call you then.

With the warmest thoughts,

Lorena