James Sylvester English

English, James Sylvester  Age 90, passed away peacefully April 13, 2005.  He was born November 29, 1914, the second son of the Reverend and Mrs. E.L. English, in Northport, Michigan.  His parents were missionaries to the Chippewa Indians; James grew up in the North woods and enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing.  He shared his appreciation of nature and sense of sportsmanship with his children and grandchildren.  James fondly remembers his fathers first, beautiful, little Episcopal Church, Saint Marys, in Tower, Minnesota.  In 1927 his father was appointed rector of St. Andrews Episcopal Church, and they moved to Flint, Michigan.  James graduated from Flint Central High School. It was here that he met Dorothy Clemens; they were married September 18, 1936; his father officiated.  James and Dorothy moved to Swartz Creek, home of his maternal grandparents, Mr. And Mrs. Sylvester Thatcher.  They resided in Swartz Creek over 30 years and raised three children:  Bernice, Jim and Bonnie.  James worked for General Motors and the Jackson Printing Company until he became a hearing aid dealer in 1968.  James was a renowned storyteller; he also loved to whistle, not simply a tune, but he could imitate a train coming right through the room.  James had the gift of making life fun and adventuresome and making people laugh, especially Dorothy. James honored his devotion to God and his family.  He was a life member of the Swartz Creek Methodist Church; he was Past Master of Masonic Temple #458 F. & A.M.  He was a third generation Knights Templar.  James was a spiritual, loving gentleman with a twinkle in his eye and spring in his step. James was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, his Precious Dorothy.  Also preceding him were brothers:  Ted and Tom English and sister Margaret Boze.  He is survived by:  daughter, Bernice and husband Dr. Larry Hearin of Dexter, Michigan, grandchildren Eric Hearin of West Bloomfield and Jennifer Hearin, Ann Arbor; son, Dr. James H. English, Swartz Creek, Michigan, grandchildren Bill and wife Julie English, great grandchildren: Nicholas, Megan and Patrick of Indiana, Dr. Christine English and husband Dr. Jim OConnor: great grandchildren Jake and Justin of Amarillo, Texas; daughter, Bonnie and husband Lawrence Chan of Visalia, California, grandchildren: Jamie and wife Liz Damm, great grandchildren Lily Anne and Abigail Elizabeth of San Francisco, California, Emily Anne Damm of Sacramento, California, Allison Clemens Damm and great granddaughter Mollie C. Damm of Visalia, California, Erika and husband Billy Moore, great granddaughter Pauline of Visalia, California, and Jessica Chan of Arcata, California. After retirement as a hearing aid dealer in 1985 James and Dorothy divided their time between Florida and Gulliver Lake in the Upper Peninsula, his beloved North woods.  They loved to entertain, and many parties climaxed with a spirited game of croquette, which he first played at his grandmothers.  After Dorothys death James spent the last four years with daughter Bernice and husband Larry in Dexter and often visited son Jim in Swartz Creek. James loved and lived life fully.  He contributed to the good of the world with his Christian values, his love of family and friends, his work ethic, his sense of humor and his charm.  He will be greatly missed; we have been blessed to have had his presence in our lives.  James died at peace and ready to go Home. Visitation will be Sunday April 17, from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M. at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek.  The funeral will be held Monday, April 18, 2005, at 11:00 A.M. at Swartz Creek United Methodist Church; a luncheon will follow the ceremony.  Donations may be made to the Swartz Creek United Methodist Church Memorial Fund.  Private internment at a later date.