James W. Regier, Sr.

James William “Jimmy” Regier, Sr., a Harrisville, Mich., resident passed away from natural causes on June 7, 2024, at the Oscoda Fields Assisted Living Facility in Oscoda. He was 96.

            James was born on Jan. 25, 1928, in Pontiac, Mich., and raised by Christian and Bessie Regier. Soon after the family bought a farm in Deckerville, Mich., where James spent his youth enjoying working with his father and grandfather. He had many hobbies as a youth, such as playing baseball and especially loved hunting. Listening, reading about and watching sports, and Detroit Tigers baseball games, were a love of his; playing and watching sports were a lifelong passion for James.

            James graduated high school in Port Huron and began working for the Chrysler Corporation on June 8, 1947, where he played on the company softball team. It was after high school he met his wife, and love of his life, Aloise (nee Blood). The pair were married Sept. 13, 1947. James served in the U.S. Army and belonged to many civic organizations, including the Glennie Lions Club and Veterans of Foreign Wars, among other organizations.

            James was a skilled athlete his entire life and in addition to his love of baseball, played football in his youth. He was also an avid bowler and golfer, having participating on several leagues.

            He served as an elected official for Curtis Township in Alcona County, and after his career at Chrysler, and raising their family in Warran, Mich, he retired with Aloise on their large “up north” hunting property.

            After his retirement early 1980s from Chrysler, spent his time working the land, hunting, working various retirement jobs, as well as operating a firewood business. In later years the pair would winter in Georgia with family. They raised many dogs, and James always had a tender spot in his heart for animals.

            Predeceasing James in death was Aloise, who passed away in a car accident on April 9, 2005, in Kentucky.

            James is survived by his five children: James Regier, Jr. (Frances), Melinda Catalano (Paul), Cheryl Ogden (Stephen), Ronald Regier (April), and Debbie Marsh (Robert). James has many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, among surviving family.

            Funeral Services are to be held Friday, June 14 at the Gillies Funeral Home in Lincoln. A public viewing will be held from 10-11 a.m., with a service immediately following. Internment at the Glennie Cemetery will take place after his service.

            Memorial contributions can be forwarded to the Alcona Humane Society.