Lon James Boucher

There is no greater gift a man can be given, no prouder award, no loftier accomplishment, than the gift of fatherhood. A father’s love is stronger than steel, forged with pride, and shaped through the years with the sheer joy only children can bring. Lon Boucher was a hardworking man, a loyal son, brother and friend. Most of all, Lon was a proud father to his children, whose life lives on in them today.

Lon James’ story began on a hot summer day in 1957, in the bustling city of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Those were such turbulent times in this country, as the Cold War continued, the Space Race truly began, and the Civil Rights movement stirred tensions here at home. The finishing touches were being put on the Mackinac Bridge that summer, ready to bring Michigan’s two halves closer together than ever. On July 14, 1957, Robert and Mary Louise (Angell) Boucher celebrated the birth of a baby boy, a son they named Lon James Boucher.

Lon was joined by four siblings in the family’s home, brothers Tom, Dave and Jeff, and his sister Carol. When he was in the sixth grade, the family packed up and left Kalamazoo, heading south to Bronson, Michigan, where they lived in a lovely home on Gilead Lake.

Lon loved growing up on the lake, where he formed a great love for everything outdoors, especially hunting, a lifelong passion for him. His children often heard stories of his time spent at the lake and they knew how much he cherished those years.

Lon attended Bronson Schools, and graduated from Bronson High in 1975. After high school, Lon James moved to Grand Rapids, where he found work, and found a family, as well.

Lon was blessed with two wonderful kids, son Nick and daughter Jen, who filled him with pride and joy. Though his relationship with their mother ended, Lon remained a proud and supportive parent in their lives. He thought so much of them both, and it was hard for him to ever get mad at them for anything.

Of course, Lon was such an easygoing man, anyway, and he loved to tease and joke with people. His children’s friends remembered their visits to the house and how much he enjoyed laughing and joking with them while they were there.

Eventually he moved to Vicksburg, in 1993, and went to work at Comcast as a cable installer. When he wasn’t working, he had plenty of hobbies to keep him busy, too. He loved to go hunting or work on his Jeep. His Jeep was his prized possession and he spent hours tinkering with it. Lon also loved the quiet comfort of just being at home. He also was a lifelong, avid bowler, and could often be found at Airway Lanes in Portage, playing with his many friends.

Sadly, Lon James died on Tuesday, July 24, 2007, at the age of 50.

Lon was a hardworking man, a loyal son, brother and friend, who enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. Most of all, Lon James was a proud and loving father, whose life lives on in his children today. He will be greatly missed.

Learn more about Lon and visit with his family at a memorial gathering on August 11th from 1-4 PM at Lon’s home, 105 W. Highway St. in Vicksburg. His family includes his children: Nick Boucher and Jen Boucher, both of Muskegon; his siblings: Tom & Carol Boucher of Detroit, Dave & Connie Boucher of Vicksburg, and Carol Boucher of Vicksburg; along with other loving family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jeff Boucher. Please visit Lon’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com , where you can read his Life Story, share a favorite memory or photo, or sign his guest book. Memorial donations may be made to the Diabetes Association. Lon and his family have been cared for by the Life Story Funeral Home, RDMG, Vicksburg, 409 S. Main Street.