James Applegate

Applegate, James Henry - Age 90, of Grand Blanc, died April 25, 2019. Funeral services will be held 11 AM Friday, May 3 at First Presbyterian Church, 746 S. Saginaw St. Flint, Rev. Dr. Joseph Novak officiating. Visitation will be held 1-4 and 6-8 PM Thursday at Sharp Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 6063 Fenton Road, Flint; and 10 AM until the time of the funeral Friday at church. Those desiring may make contributions to the Flint Cultural Center or the charitable organization of their choice. James was born May 14, 1928 in Flint the son of Clyde and Crystal (Roseborough) Applegate. He is a proud graduate of Central High School and GMI in Flint. He attended MSU and served during the Korean War. He started in the automotive business at age 12 working part time for his dad's dealership in downtown Flint and kept at it in various capacities until the day he died. Applegate Chevrolet, an auto retailing pioneer, is one of the earliest and longest standing Chevrolet dealers in the country celebrating its 90th year in 2018. Jim's favorite aspects of the business were car design, especially color, and marketing. Applegate Chevrolet advertising has had his voice and image in radio, TV, and print for decades, and "Baseball, Hotdogs, Applegate, and Chevrolet" is a familiar phrase to so many in the Flint area and beyond. His marriage to Sandra Meakin produced two lovely daughters, Susan and Amanda to whom he was a dedicated and doting father. Jim was giving and generous with his time both personally and professionally. The American Cancer Society, Flint Cultural Center, United Way, local baseball teams and many other organizations benefited from his patronage and support. He was a long time and active member of the First Presbyterian Church and the Flint Golf Club. The community has lost a loving and loyal friend. He enjoyed before work breakfasts at the local diner and Saturday lunch gatherings at Little Joes with friends and fellow business leaders. These gatherings fed uniquely close friendship and business connections many decades old. He also valued his many long time relationships within Applegate Chevrolet. Friends and family remember his quick wit and ready smile. He loved creating social occasions with the latest car or camper on the lot or taking his boat somewhere with friends for a spur of the moment afternoon. Jim enjoyed reading historical biographies, had an extensive music collection and love of live and theatrical music. He loved sailing, skiing, racquet sports, reading and his time at the cottage on Lake Fenton and vacation home in Florida. He delighted in his time with his beloved daughters and three grandsons. He will be dearly missed by all that knew him. Surviving are: two daughters, Susan Applegate of Santa Monica, CA; Amanda Rutledge and husband John of Chicago, IL; their mother Sandra Applegate of Grand Blanc; grandsons, Pierce Rutledge, Preston Rutledge, and Clyde Applegate; nephew, David and wife Pat Spaulding; nieces Mary Spaulding and Cris Rogers, and their families; and many friends and longtime Applegate Chevrolet employees. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Betty A. Sarvis. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.

Visitation

Thursday, May 2, 2019 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Sharp Funeral Home & Cremation Center
6063 Fenton Road Flint 48507, United States

Visitation

Thursday, May 2, 2019 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Sharp Funeral Home & Cremation Center
6063 Fenton Road Flint 48507, United States

Visitation

Friday, May 3, 2019 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
First Presbyterian Church of Flint
746 S Saginaw St Flint 48502, United States

Funeral Service

Friday, May 3, 2019 11:00 AM
First Presbyterian Church of Flint
746 S Saginaw St Flint 48502, United States