James Bancroft

James “Jim” Bancroft was an honest and hardworking man, dedicated to his family and loyal to his friends. He was a man who cared for everyone he knew, and he expressed this care through his generosity and willingness to always help where he saw a need, whether with a helping hand or a listening ear. He took the greatest pleasure in his family, and only wanted the best for them. Jim will be remembered not for the things he did, but for the reason he did them.

The mid 1930s were the worst years of the Great Depression, when the economic crunch took a toll on everything from the largest factory to the smallest family. Though times were tough, hope shone on the horizon through a new and invigorated president who aimed to lift this country back onto the pedestal of greatness. For Wilbur and Velma (Groves) Bancroft of Essex Township, Michigan, it was a time of great joy as they welcomed the birth of their first child, son James, on September 12, 1935. He was eventually joined by two brothers, Steven and Kurt, and the three of them undoubtedly filled the house with much laughter, rough housing and disagreements. As big brother, Jim often boasted of how he taught his younger brother Kurt to walk.

Jim was still young when his family moved from the outskirts of town into Maple Rapids. His mother was the Postmaster of Maple Rapids for many years, while his father worked as a mechanic and parts dealer Jim was a pretty typical boy – he had a paper route, loved to ride his bike, play football and basketball, and hang out with his friends down by the river or out at the airport. School was not his favorite place to be, yet he was still a good student. After graduating in 1953, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy and set sail to travel the world.

Jim received his honorable discharge in San Diego, California, and it was here that he met his first wife, Fran. After marrying, they stayed in California and Jim got a job at UPS. After some time, the two separated and Jim moved back to Michigan and took a job at Federal Mogul. Eventually, he went to work for General Motors, and he remained here until retirement. Jim got back into the social scene too and it was there he met Nancy (her kids adored Jim), and then Joan. Jim was a big influence and father figure to many children throughout his life, including their own and his own. He always helped in whatever way he could, making a difference in many lives. As fate would have it, Jim crossed paths again with Brenda Blemaster, who he grew up with in Maple Rapids. Her son, Brad, was instrumental in bringing them together at a wedding, and as they say, the rest is history. Jim and Brenda dated for a year and a half before being married in Louisville, Kentucky on February 20, 1998.

Jim cared deeply for his family and showed it by providing faithfully for them and sharing much love and laughter. It was no secret he was an excellent father and “awesome” grandfather, and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for his loved ones. It really touched him deeply to be a “chemo-buddy” with his grandson, Josiah. Outside of family, Jim enjoyed a plethora of activities, like canoeing, fishing, camping and hiking. He loved to travel, particularly to northern Michigan and Kentucky in the early days to Alaska, Hawaii and many other places. Jim loved food, talking about planes and Ford Mustangs, and reading anything military or history related. His brother Kurt said he will especially miss his sparring partner (Jim) when it came to debating politics and religion. Jim was a man of faith and Barryton Church of God held a warm place in his heart.

Jim was a good man, one everyone looked up to and a privilege to call a friend. But then, Jim never met a stranger – he made friends wherever he went. Although many will miss having Jim as a close friend, he will be held in special reverence by those who knew him as a husband, father, grandfather and brother.

James “Jim” D Bancroft died on Monday, June 18, 2012, at the age of 76. James is survived by his wife, Brenda; sons, Michael (Roxanne McSparen) Bancroft, Steven Bancroft, Craig Bancroft; daughters, Pam Ruth, Bonnie Reed, Brenda Fundenburks, Debbie Spitzley; step-daughters, Julie --Amspoker, Cindy Townsend, Tonya (Kurt) Lake, Holly (Ryan Wheeler) Craig; step-sons, Stevie Swanchara, Gene (Michelle) Swan, Doug Swanchara, Troy LaBar, Mark (Tammy) LaBar; many grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as his brother, Kurt (Adele) Bancroft. James was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Scott Bancroft, and one brother, Steven Bancroft.

Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 21, at the Osgood Funeral Home in St. Johns, with Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck officiating. Burial will follow at Beach Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home in St. Johns on Wednesday, June 20, from 2-4 p.m. & 6-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made in James’ memory to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Michigan. To share a memory of James, sign his online guest book and view his Life Story film, please visit his personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/81286.