James Michael Huber

Earlier this month, Jim ‘slipped the bonds of earth and touched the face of God.’ His legacy lives on through his incredible wife, Rosalie, which is how Jim described her at his daughters’ Rochelle (Stuart) Cullum and Allyson (Jerrud) Parker weddings; his five grandchildren (Jackson, Harrison, and Madison Cullum; Lily and Rose Parker); his siblings Mary Curtis and Raymond and Helen Goodman; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Born to Russ and Katie Huber, Jim was the epitome of hard work and dedication. He grew up on his family’s farm and by the time he was fourteen, he had assumed responsibility for and management of the cattle and livestock. Jim was successful at improving dairy production on the farm and receiving Best in Show awards through the county fair circuit.

Jim always dreamed of being a pilot, and while pursuing his degree at Michigan State University he became commander of The Arnold Air Society and served as the Wing Executive Officer. He was commissioned a second lieutenant through the Air Force ROTC program and upon graduating from MSU he began pilot training at Laredo Air Force Base in Texas where he met the love of his life, Rosalie. And although they spent their engagement on opposite sides of the world – Jim flew aerial combat missions in Vietnam while Rosalie planned their wedding in Texas – they wrote to each other daily and married in 1971.

Together they traveled the world and raised their family while Jim excelled in his military career. He was a command pilot with more than 4,000 flying hours and numerous major military decorations. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for aerial combat, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. He earned his MBA from Louisiana Technical University.

At the conclusion of his 22-year long career in the Air Force, Jim began his next career as a Certified Financial Planner for Merrill Lynch in Lansing, MI. Jim was known for his honesty and integrity; his counsel to clients often stretched far beyond investments. He was trusted and respected, and his business grew not only due to his financial savvy, but because of his convictions and his deep desire to always do things right. He retired just last year after 30 years with Merrill Lynch.

Jim and Ree were devoted members of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Lansing for 30 years. Together they led Stewardship for over seven years, were instrumental in several Capital Campaigns, and significantly contributed to the restoration of the church after it sustained significant damage.

His philanthropy extended beyond St. Paul’s to Michigan State University’s Wharton Center for the Performing Arts where he and Rosalie were members of the Inner Circle, and Operation Good Cheer in which Jim flew hundreds of Christmas presents to children in need across the state of Michigan. Jim was recognized in December 2019 by the Michigan State Men’s Basketball team for his military service and his dedication to the University.

Jim trained for and completed six full-length marathons and continued running by participating with the Merrill Lynch relay team in the Detroit Free Press marathon well into his sixties. Jim loved fixing things – restoring furniture, enhancing their home and lawn, and could always be counted on to make things better than when he found them.

And Jim continued to fly – until his last day. Of all his accomplishments, Jim was most proud of renewing his pilot’s license and purchasing his Bonanza A-36 airplane. Together, he and Rosalie traveled to visit family and take friends on various adventures. Jim’s great joy was flying in his own airplane.

But even more than that, Jim adored his wife and family. His most important dream came true when his family - wife, daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren – filled the entire pew at St. Paul’s on Christmas Eve. Jim will be missed by many, but none more so than this family legacy he leaves behind.

Visitation services will be held at Gorsline-Runciman Funeral Home, 1730 E Grand River Rd, East Lansing from 5-8 pm on November 5, 2021. Funeral Services will be conducted at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 218 W Ottawa St, Lansing at 11 am on November 6, 2021. Please note masks are required inside St. Paul’s. Military honors will follow the funeral service. Jim’s final resting place will be at Arlington National Cemetery, an honor befitting a true hero. In Jim’s memory, donations may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Lansing, or Wounded Warriors.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greastlansing.com for the HUBER family.