Dr. O.D.

Dr. James H English, OD passed to his heavenly home 10/20/2017. Visitation will be at Sharp Funeral Home Miller Rd Chapel from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm Tuesday, October 24th. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 25th at 11 am at Swartz Creek United Methodist Church with visitation at the church from 10 - 11 am. Jim was a devoted father and grandfather and is survived by grieving children, Son, William James English and wife Julie of Westville IN; their children, Nicholas English, Megan English fiancé Kegan Schildberg, and Patrick English. Daughter Christine English O'Connor husband James of Amarillo, TX their children Jacob O'Connor and Justin O'Connor. Jim also leaves behind his special companion Jane Hudson. Jim is the middle child of James and Dorothy English, who preceded him in death. Jim also leaves two loving and devoted sisters and their families; Larry and Bernice Hearin of Ann Arbor, MI, their children Eric and Jennifer; Lawrence Chan and Bonnie of Visalia, CA, their children Jamie, wife Liz, Emily and Allison Damm, Erika Chan and Jessica Cislini. As a boy Jim was an active outdoorsman and Christian. As a young man, he and his dad hunted and fished; they took extended trips to Canada canoeing and fishing. On deer hunting trips they joined uncles and friends in Michigan's north woods. Jim graduated from Swartz Creek High School, class of 1959 as senior class president. He attended Flint Community College and graduated from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN. After graduation he served as a 2nd lieutenant in the U.S. Army in San Antonio, Texas and Denver, Colorado. Upon completion of military service, Jim and his wife of the next 33 years, Suzanne Sitts, with their two young children, settled back in Swartz Creek. He opened an optometric practice in Flint, that he later moved to become the Swartz Creek Vision Center. He maintained this practice serving the community he loved until his death. He was blessed with a loving staff that were like family to him. Jim was an exceptional horse trainer and enjoyed great success in the Michigan harness horse pari-mutuel racing circuit. He had a great wanderlust and loved to travel, visiting places such as Israel, London, Paris, Japan, Amsterdam and most recently Africa. He also enjoyed outdoor sports including golfing and skiing. Jim also loved to sing. He sang with the Swartz Creek Methodist Church choir as well as Flint Community Singers, performing in holiday concerts at the Whiting Auditorium with the Flint Symphony. Finally, Jim was a quiet altruist; he helped many people in the community and endowed a scholarship at Mott College in honor of his grandmother, Margaret English. Jim was loved by family and respected by many, especially his church and staff. Jim's sudden passing leaves a great void. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to evonshope.org.

Visitation

Tuesday, October 24, 2017 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Sharp Funeral Homes - Miller Road Chapel
8138 Miller Road Swartz Creek 48473, United States

Visitation

Tuesday, October 24, 2017 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Sharp Funeral Homes - Miller Road Chapel
8138 Miller Road Swartz Creek 48473, United States

Visitation

Wednesday, October 25, 2017 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
The United Methodist Church of Swartz Creek
7400 Miller Road Swartz Creek 48473, United States

Funeral Service

Wednesday, October 25, 2017 11:00 AM
The United Methodist Church of Swartz Creek
7400 Miller Road Swartz Creek 48473, United States