Obituary: James Maher, 82, Ludington.

Jim Maher

Obituary: James Maher, 82, Ludington.

James “Jim” Michael Maher, 82, of Ludington, passed away Monday, October 29, 2018, at home.  He was born October 25, 1936, in Kalamazoo, the son of Robert and Helen (Cylka) Maher.

After graduating from Mendon Community School, Jim attended Western Michigan University until transferring to Wayne State University where he earned his degree in Mortuary Science.  Jim owned Stephen’s Funeral Home, in Scottville, from 1969 to 1999.  He loved being a funeral director, helping families and continued to do so until his retirement in 2018 from Oak Grove Funeral Home where he enjoyed working with Jim, Ryan and Rick.

Jim was dedicated to Scottville’s growth as a community.  Over the years Jim was active in many clubs and organizations, including the Scottville Chamber of Commerce where he was awarded the Scottville Business Emeritus of the Year Award in 2001, as well as the Citizen of the Year Award, the Scottville Optimist Club, the Ludington Boat Club and Lincoln Hills Country Club.  Jim served on the Scottville Harvest Festival Committee and was the past Chairman who lined up the gala celebration of the Harvest Festival on its 50^th anniversary.  He was also a supporter of 4-H for many years and sponsored many recreation sports team.

An active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Faith was a very important part of Jim’s life.  No matter how busy Jim was, he always made time to watch his grandchildren’s sporting events, which he loved.

On August 31, 1985, Jim married Vicki Edwards, who survives him.  He is also survived by: his daughters, Lauri Maher of Grand Rapids, Karen (Bob) Cameron of Scottville, and Julie (Mike) Drier of Scottville; 6 grandchildren, Elizabeth (Kalin) Jack of Grand Rapids, Kyle (Brittany) Cameron of Ferndale, Abe Emery of Grand Rapids, Ariel Cameron of Scottville, Jim (Emelee Haik) Drier of Scottville, and Jesse (Miranda Schaub) Drier of Traverse City; 2 great-granddaughters, Adalyn and Emerson Jack of Grand Rapids; his sister, Mary Benthin of Schoolcraft; his mother-in-law, Betty (Sabastian “Bud”) Greiner of Hart; his father-in-law, Robert Edwards of Oregon; 5 sisters-in-law, Chris Anderson of Ludington, Linda (Dave) Roberts of Ludington, Sue (Bill) Frisbie of Dowling, Pat Maher of Kalamazoo and Kathy Maher of Kalamazoo; 2 brothers-in-law, Tom (Cheryl) Cobb of Hanover, Pennsylvania, and Mike Cobb of Grand Rapids; his step-brother-in-law, Roger Peace of Oregon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by: his first wife, Sandra Lewis Maher in 1965; and 2 brothers, Bill Maher and Bob Maher.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Saturday, November 3, 2018, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, in Custer, with Father Dan DePew presiding.  Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.  Visitation will be held Friday, November 2, 2018, from 5-8 p.m., with Praying of the Rosary at 7:45 p.m., at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Pere Marquette Chapel, 309 S. Washington Avenue, Ludington.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Caritas Food Pantry, St. Mary’s Church, 85 S. Madison Street, Custer, Michigan, 49405.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.