James Brock

Jim Brock was an honest, hardworking man who spent half of his life in Flint, Michigan. His family and friends will remember this active man for his commitment to his career, his love for his family, and his passion for golfing, duck and deer hunting. Jim was a man of strong character, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He understood the value of hard work and knew how to persevere through difficult circumstances.

Each generation has unique milestones and events that have helped shape future generations. The 1920s were without exception. In 1927, the advent of flight took a giant step when Charles Lindbergh made the first trans-Atlantic solo flight non-stop from New York to Paris. The entertainment world entered a new phase with the first “talkie” motion picture, starring Al Jolson. On March 20, 1927, in Cleveland, Ohio, Jim Brock was born, an event that would shape the future generations of his family.

Shortly after Jim was born, he and his parents, Clarence and Vera Brock, moved to Flint, Michigan. Here, Jim led a typical childhood of the time, playing Little League baseball and paling around with his dog, Blackie. He and his siblings, Arlene and Donald, also spent many summers working on his Aunt Norma’s farm in Sarnia in southwestern Ontario, Canada. Jim received his education in the Flint area schools, and was on the high school cross country team for 3 years. After graduating from Kearsley High School in 1945, he followed the same patriotic calling of other young men of the time, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He proudly served his country as a Seaman 3rd Class and Carpenters Mate before receiving his honorable discharge and returning home to Flint.

Jim’s life took a new direction when he met Ardie Finck, who was at a dance with his brother. Ardes loved to dance, but unfortunately Jim didn’t know how, so she didn’t take much interest in him. Determined to win her heart, Jim learned to dance and swept Ardes right off her feet. As fate would have it, the two fell in love and were married on June 26, 1948, in Davison, Michigan. Their happy union produced three beautiful children, Tim, Pam, and Jamie who brought them great pride and joy.

Jim worked hard to provide for his family. In 1946, he went to work at Consumers Power in Flint, where he started as a lineman. After 15 years, he then became a field crew member on the lines for a time before being promoted to Supervisor of the Marketing Division. In 1973, Jim’s job with Consumers was transferred to Kalamazoo, and he and Ardes made their home in Portage. Although Jim’s family and profession kept him busy, he valued his community and always remained actively involved in several organizations. He was a 39-year member and former president of AMBUCS, a former president of the Kalamazoo Management Association and a member of the Davison American Legion Post. Jim was also involved with Junior Achievement and the Executive Club for 5 years.

In 1987, after a fulfilling 41-year career, Jim finally retired from Consumers and began enjoying the relaxation he so greatly deserved. He and Ardie did some traveling, visiting Hawaii, Alaska and Russia. They had already been wintering in sunny Florida and did so for 24 years. Jim loved to be by water because where there was water, there was fish, and he enjoyed fishing. Being in warm weather meant Jim could golf all year round too, something he really loved. As an avid golfer, Jim participated in the Houghton Golf Outing for 50 years, never missing a one. Something else he swore he would never miss was deer hunting season. Even after being diagnosed with prostrate cancer 10 years ago and then bone cancer 3 years ago, Jim kept his spirits high with hopes of hunting and golfing again one day.

All who knew and loved Jim will treasure his memory.

Jim Brock, age 84, of Portage, MI died on Sunday, October 9, 2011, at Rose Arbor Hospice after a long illness. Spend time with Jim’s family and friends and share light refreshments on Wednesday, October 12, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage (344-5600), where a service will be held on Thursday, October 13, at 11 a.m.

Members of Jim’s family include his wife of 63 years, the former Ardes Finck; children: Tim (Paula) Brock, Pam (Mark) Harrison, Jamie (Chip) Cree; six grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren with one expected soon; sister, Arlene (Joe) Caon; and a brother-in-law, Jerry Schade. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Donald Brock. Please visit Jim’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you may share a memory, upload a photo and sign his online guest book. Memorial donations may be made to Kalamazoo AMBUCS or Hospice of Southwest Michigan.