James Husted

Although often stubborn and through his reserved nature, Jim Husted lived for his family. Hard working, he and his beloved wife, Sharon provided a good life for their children where memories abound. He loved his grandchildren beyond compare, and delighted in their many accomplishments. Dearly missed, he leaves much to be remembered in the hearts of many.

The year 1938 overflowed with mixed blessings in America. The struggles of this generation found relief from everyday worries enjoying the sounds of the times while Superman made his debut in the comic strips. The year also included the United States’ dependency on newly discovered oil fields in Saudi Arabia which would last for years to come. Far removed from the chaos in the small rural village of Fowler, Michigan, Claude and Nellie (Hamilton) Husted had much to be thankful for on November 14, 1938 as they welcomed the birth of their son, James into their arms.

One of five children in the Husted household, James grew up alongside his three brothers and sister. He was close to his siblings while growing up, and as a child enjoyed adventures playing outdoors. Even though James was always a very quiet, reserved young boy, he found his share of mischief, too. He liked doing typical boy things and enjoyed new experiences.

Jim attended grade school in Maple Rapids, Michigan. He was a good student who liked reading, and enjoyed learning. Very curious about the world around him, Jim especially loved reading National Geographic as a kid. He had a natural curiosity about the world and how things worked, and could often be found learning how to fix things. From his early years, Jim was also a big Tigers fan.

In his formative teen years, Jim went on to attend and graduate from Fulton High School. It was during this time when his family experienced the death of his mother from an unexpected illness. Already close, Jim and his family banded together and pressed on.

As a teen, Jim often snuck his Dad’s car out, and to keep from getting caught, he'd carefully mark the tires to ensure it was returned in the exact same spot. In high school, he dated a young lady named Rose Avery for a short time. Stopping by to visit, he knocked on Rose’s door and his heart nearly skipped a beat when her sister, Sharon answered the door. Rose wasn’t home, and quite taken with Sharon, Jim asked Sharon out instead! After dating for a while and deeply in love, Jim drove out to the hay field where Sharon worked. He proposed to her on the spot and they happily celebrated vows of marriage on September 13, 1958.

Along with a new bride to support, Jim and Sharon soon welcomed a family of their own with the births of Roxanne, James II, Cheryl, Janet , and Jamie. Due to his reserved nature, Jim left the disciplining to Sharon and was not overly affectionate with the kids. She ruled the roost and kept everything running in smooth order. While Sharon made a good home for their family, Jim was a very hard working man who provided well for his family. For 17 years, Jim worked at Diamond REO in Lansing putting in long, hard hours. When they went bankrupt, Jim secured a job at Moore Ironworks in Owosso where he remained until his eventual retirement. Jim also had an intriguing side job which made for numerous family stories over the years. His job as a gravedigger for the local cemeteries found everyone in the family involved helping him dig and mow the lawns.

Jim had a somewhat gruff exterior. Stubborn and physically strong, he always kept busy tinkering, especially with the cars in the garage. He relished time spent at the West Place hunting and cutting wood. Sometimes he just needed to get away, and it was just the place for him. He enjoyed camping with his family, and everyone stayed out of his way when he was trying to get packed up to go. He was known to be an ornery cuss, but once they reached camp and got unpacked, his demeanor quickly changed to that of a relaxed and happy, easygoing man. When it was time to pack up and head home, his orneriness flared up again until they were home and settled in.

Over the years, Jim and Sharon traveled extensively visiting their children and grandchildren. Later in life, Jim liked bowling, and played on the church softball team. He was also a member of the Maple Rapids Town Council. Always a well groomed man, he often spent more time getting ready than his wife and girls! When grandchildren came along, they were Jim's joy. They also softened him up a bit and he came to be a very affectionate grandfather.

When Jim's beloved Sharon died this year on June 4, a part of Jim's heart went with her. His health went downhill quite rapidly, and although he reluctantly moved into the North Star AFC in Ithaca, Michigan, he soon found he loved it there. Before long, his health and attitude became much better. Tenderly cared for, he loved the staff and people there. Sadly, at the age of 74, Jim died suddenly from heart failure on Saturday, December 15, 2012. Sadly missed, he will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

James is survived by his daughters, Cheryl (Richard) Simpson, Janet Husted, and Jamie Berry; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; his sister, Sadie; many nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Sharon, James was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Roxanne Husted; his son, James Husted II; great-granddaughter, Miranda Hackett, and by three brothers, Francis, Bob and Tom Husted.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at the Osgood Funeral Home with Pastor Jerry Kissling officiating. Burial to follow at Payne Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Osgood Funeral Home on Monday from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. Sympathies may be expressed in the form of memorial contributions to North Star AFC, 4755 South Dean Rd, Ithaca, MI. 48847. To learn more about James and view his life Story film, please visit his personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/85477.