James I. LaRoe

James Issac LaRoe, 87, passed away on November 2, 2010. He died peacefully surrounded by his family at Allegiance Hospice Home in Jackson , MI . He was born April 17, 1923 in Champagne , Illinois to the late William and Belle LaRoe. He was married to Ethel Juanita Howard on November 23, 1944. She proceeded him in death after 53 years of marriage in March of 1997. His daughter Teresa (Briegel, Stephens) Abrahams, and her husband, Mac as well as, nine of his sisters and brothers also preceded him in death. He is survived by his very special friend and companion of 10 years, Waunita DuBois of Brooklyn , MI , and her family, his daughter Kay (John) Darrow, of Peoria , Arizona , daughter Sandra LaRoe ( Ann Arbor , MI ), his son Paul (Terri Keppler) LaRoe, his grandchildren, Lisa Heath, Michael (Lori) Darrow, Kristian Stephens, Aaron Stephens, Brian (Cara) LaRoe, Amy (John) Sperendi, Timm Keppler, Stacy Keppler, great-grandchildren Kirsten, Dalton , Danielle, Ciara, Julia,

Brady, Alex, Miles, and Natalie. He is also survived by his brother Carl LaRoe of Jackson MI, and many nieces and nephews. James built their two family homes, the first home was in Chelsea , MI and the second home was in Ann Arbor, MI. where they raised their 4 children together. He operated and owned his own taxi cab and worked for Vet's Cab for many years. He worked for the the City of Ann Arbor water department and retired in 1981 after 27 years of service. Jimmy was quite a card player and it was best if he was your partner, especially in Euchre! He was a member of the Moose Lodge #1253 for many years. He had fond memories of the trips he took with the Moose Bowling League as they competed in tournaments around the state and country. Jim enjoyed playing the slot machines, and his travels with Wuanita to casino's in Michigan , Arizona , and Las Vegas. Jimmy loved to tinker and had a gift for fixing things. Many people will remember Jimmy as the guy who refurbished bicycles and lawn mowers and sold them from his home on Dexter Ave. for many

years. He spent the winters in Glendale , Arizona enjoying time with his family, friends, as well as the warm weather. He will be deeply missed by all of those that knew him and loved him. He leaves a legacy of someone very giving, and caring. He accepted people as they were. The family would like to thank the doctor, nurses, aides and staff members at Hospice Home of Jackson for their compassion and loving care during Jimmy's final days. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice or The American Heart Association. Visitation for Jimmy will take place on Sunday, November 7 from 2:00 – 4:00 & 6:00 – 8:00 at Muehlig Funeral Chapel. A funeral service will take place Monday, 11:00am at Trinity Lutheran Church of Ann Arbor. www.muehligannarbor.com