He began his career at the Lansing Board of Water and Light as a drafter then went on to complete an electrical line worker apprenticeship program at LBWL and worked there as a journeyman line worker for several years. He and his wife, Mary, moved to northern Michigan and he worked at Traverse City Light and Power for 10 years prior to joining Consumers Energy working in Cadillac and Traverse City. Jim loved being a lineman and passed on his knowledge and passion to many.
Jim and Mary (Cartwright) were married for 24 years and enjoyed motorcycling, boating and traveling.
Jim also liked bicycling and going on hiking and kayaking adventures with friends Sean Royston and Tolin Annis and had great times participating in the lineman’s rodeo with teammates and friends Bill Cornell and Brian Zionskowski.
Surviving are his wife, Mary Farrington; sisters Deborah Bliesener and Michelle Myers; brother- and sister-in-law, Mark and Mary Jo Cartwright; mother-in-law, Virginia Cartwright, many nieces and nephews, friends and family.
A celebration of life will take place on Thursday, Oct. 11 from 1-5 p.m. at Reserved at Streeters Center, 1669 S. Garfield Rd., Traverse City.
In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the Fallen Linemen Organization.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home of Traverse City.
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