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James Richard Elford Jr.
Born: 4/5/1947
Died: 4/19/2018
Age: 71
Community: Byron, MI
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ELFORD, James Richard Jr stopped for an extended stay at the 19th hole of God’s Heavenly Greens Country Club on Thursday, April 19th,2018. After 71 years of what others described as “one hell of a life”, he met his match when Mr. Pancree Aticancer joined his twosome for a quick round. After 7 months of intensive match play, Jim finally surrendered peacefully while surrounded by his family.
James was born of James R. Elford and Alice O. Johnson (Zeiss) in Flint Michigan and grew up in the Mt. Morris area attending Genesee high school where he excelled in athletics. After high school, he joined the US Air Force where he worked as a Military Air Police Officer. During his time in the Air Force, he met his future bride, Jacqueline Mueller whom he met on a blind date. Details from that date are sketchy but apparently things went well as they were married in August of 1967.
They initially made their home in Flint, Michigan where James was employed by General Motors. His career at GM lasted over 37 years during which he worked as a Journeyman Electrician. Local historians do report that Jim is credited with the phrase “it’s good enough for who it’s for” and “you can’t see it from the road”. He also started the trend of wearing dark pants with white socks and sandals in the summer. When asked “what the hell dad?” He’d say, “who cares, I’m comfortable”.
After starting a family, Jim and Jacci moved to Byron, Michigan where they raised 4 children: Sherry (Lupu), James III, Craig, and Brian. He tried to teach each of them to play the links as he did, but none could match his skill. He is survived by his step father William Zeiss of Royal Oak, his brother Joe Zeiss of Commerce Township, all of his children, all nine grandchildren, Theresa, Madison, James IV, Brian II, Ashlyn, Emily, Jaden, Dominic, and Aubrey, and two great grandchildren, Elyse and Vincent!
“Papa” as Jim was known by his grandchildren, was known as a serious prankster with a knack for teasing. His classic, most memorable pranks involve the wet finger in the ear followed by the wet lick across the face which was the favorite of the grandchildren.
His immediate children knew him as a quiet, gentle, patient, and hardworking man who always provided for his family. When not at work, he could be found puttering around outdoors, playing golf, or in his workshop where he always had something going on. Over the past two decades of his life, his shyness around others greatly lessened when his grandchildren started showing up. He loved his family and always looked forward to playing with his grandchildren. From golf instruction, baseball and football, playing chess, swimming in the pool, driving the golf cart (a few times the driver of the golf card may have been a bit young….) coming to grandma and grandpas house was always an adventure.
Jim was a gentle and honest man who loved his family. He led by example and taught us all how to be kind and good. He was loved by his friends and family and will be greatly missed.
The Viewing is on Thursday the 26th of April 2018 from 4-8 at Swartz Funeral Home. (1225 West Hill Road, Flint Mi 48507) There will be a rosary said at 7:00pm.
The Funeral ceremony is on Friday the 27th at St. Joseph Catholic Church. (9450 Duffield Road, Gaines Michigan 48436), Father Jonathan Perrotta officiating. Viewing (at the church) from 10-11 am with funeral ceremony at 11:00 am.
There’s no doubt in our minds that his first stop was to give his mom a big hug, and his second was to tee up at the first hole with his dad in heaven.
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4/20/2018 |
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| The Viewing is on Thursday the 26th of April 2018 from 4-8 at Swartz Funeral Home. (1225 West Hill Road, Flint Mi 48507) There will be a rosary said at 7:00pm. |
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| Funeral Service |
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4/27/2018 |
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11:00 AM |
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St. Joseph Catholic Church
9450 Duffield Road
Gaines, MI 48436Get a Map to this location...
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