Frank F James, 86, of Peshawbestown passed away on Sun, Jan 4, 2004, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.
Born on Jul 2, 1917, in Kalkaska County, he was the son of Wallace and Alice (Hinman) James.
Frank "Ogitchida" is of the Black Wolf Clan of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. He is a carrier of an Odawa Eagle Staff that holds eight Eagle Feathers.
Frank married Ruby Kaulay on Jul 29, 1950, in Lawton, OK.
A veteran, Frank served our country in the US Army during WWII and the Korean Conflict. He was at Pearl Harbor when the bombing first began with Japan and served in Guam. Frank earned a bronze star, many ribbons and medals for his bravery.
Frank retired from General Motors in Lansing. Frank and Ruby traveled between Oklahoma, Kalkaska, Peshawbestown, and Lansing after retirement. He and Ruby had many treasured memories.
Frank was one of the first 15 signatures that chartered Eagletown American Legion Post No 120 in Aug of 2000. He was a "Paid Up for Life Member" of Post No 120. Frank was a Grand Traverse Band tribal elder. He is described as an example or "all that is good," a loving husband, a friend, a good soldier. He will be greatly missed by many.
Surviving Frnak is his sister, Dorothy McDonald of Ithaca; nephews and nieces, Jesse James of Peshawbestown, Lyle James of Lansing, Linda Snellenberger of Lake, Gary McDonald Jr, Charles Mcdonald, and Rodney McDonald all of Ithaca and Cora Sue (Robert) Thompson of Gotedo, OK, and grandnephews, Thomas (Flossie) Proctor of Lake and James (Paula) Proctor of Sheridan.
Preceding Frank in death was his wife, Ruby; brothers, Jesse James, Sr. and Ford Mecum; sisters, Anna James and Lucy Mecum Marburger; nieces, Mary James and Sarah Thomas.
The funeral service was held Jan 8 at the funeral home. Interment will be at Oliver Township Cemetery.
Arrangements were made by Wolfe Funeral Home, Kalkaska.
