James R. "Jim" Long, 73, of Kalkaska, passed away Sat, Sep 12, at the Kalkaska Memorial Health Center - LTC. He was surrounded by his loving family at the time of his passing.
Born on Oct 19, 1935, in Kalkaska, he was the son of the late Leslie and Mary Long.
Jim was a veteran and served our country honorably as a US Marine.
He was an independent builder in the Kalkaska area for over 40 years.
Jim's hobbies included fishing, dancing, hunting, walking, and participating in charity walks. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Jim had an overwhelming capacity to help anyone at a moment's notice - with no expectation of anything in return. His kindness and love for family and friends was evident in his everyday life.
Jim's life statement was "never a bad day."
His favorite statement was "I'm mean, ornery, contrary, inconsiderate, and just don't give a damn." But truth be told, Jim had a heart of gold.
Surviving Jim are his children, Kimmely Tanis of Sidney, NE, Christopher (Lisa) Long of Kalkaska, Theresa (Lee) Valliant of Raeford, NC, and Scott (Deborah) Long of Traverse City; the mother of his children, Rosa Perkins of Kalkaska; 10 grandchildren; siblings, Pearl (Wendel) Pluff and Esther (Allen) Rich of Battle Creek, Duane (Terrie) Long and Jerry (Kaye) Long of Kalkaska, and Jerry Dale (Ella) Long of Cadillac.
Jim was preceded in death by his brother, Bennie "Bud" Long, and grandson, Devin P Bergeron.
Visitation was held Sep 14 from 5 to 8 pm at the Wolfe-O'Neill Funeral Home. The funeral service was Tue at 1 pm also at the funeral home.
Burial followed services at the Fairview Cemetery in Mancelona.
Friends and family were invited to a luncheon at the CETA Hall, on County Road 612 in Kalkaska, following burial services.
