James Alfred "Jim" White

Jim was known for his quick wit, beaming smile and gentle spirit. He was a mentor to many, both professionally and also in life. His presence will be missed in many circles.

Jim was born on January 5, 1939 in Bay City, Michigan to parents, Gerald and Clara Barnes White. He grew up with his older brother, Bob, where he sold flowers from the front porch of his boyhood home on Henry Street and formed many lifelong friends. He was introduced to public service during his junior year at T.L. Handy High School by serving as a Page in the Michigan Senate hitch hiking a ride with legislators to Lansing.

A proud graduate of Alma College, Jim earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, cum laude. He obtained his law degree from the University of Michigan Law School and began his legal career in 1964 at the firm currently known as Foster Swift Collins and Smith where he was mentored by many prominent attorneys. In 1988, he left the Foster firm and founded the firm currently known as White Schneider.

Over the course of his long and distinguished career, Jim White made a significant impact on the lives of Michigan educators, farmers, and laborers. For more than 50 years, he fought for the interests of individuals in the public sector and the agricultural industry before government agencies, in the courtroom, and on appeal.

The White Schneider firm enjoyed a close relationship with the Michigan Education Association, due in large part to Jim’s representation of the Association and its members, which includes K-12 teachers as well as college faculty, public school custodians, bus drivers, and paraprofessionals. In addition to protecting the rights of MEA members in collective bargaining, disciplinary actions, and labor violations, he also counseled them regarding retirement benefits, Public Employee Relations Act issues, Family & Medical Leave Act requests, and other employment matters.

Jim’s efforts on behalf of Michigan’s farmers led to the U.S. Supreme Court, where in 1984 he successfully argued that the Michigan Agricultural Marketing & Bargaining Act o voluntarily participate in cooperative associations to protect their marketing and bargaining position.

Jim was a world traveler, accomplished sailor, and licensed pilot. He visited all seven continents including trips to Africa and Antarctica after the age of 65. He volunteered on a number of Habitat for Humanity Global Village projects including his first project where he met his wife of 15 years, Martha (Goss) Shortlidge White in Kathmandu, Nepal. Jim and Martha served as members of Habitat teams building affordable homes for families in such far-off places as Nepal, Kenya, Cambodia, Alaska, Kyrgyzstan, and Indonesia.

Jim was an active and involved member of Okemos Community Church where he held many leadership roles. He had a heart for serving others and led two international mission trips to Nicaragua with his wife Martha in 2011 and 2013

In addition to his wife, Martha Goss Shortlidge White, Jim is survived by his son, Brent Hale and “Russian son”, Roman Belokonev; beloved grandchildren Matthew Hale, Faith Hale, Jeremiah Hale, and Zecheriah (Becca) Rudnicki; nephews Rick (Phyllis Fisher) White, Don White and niece, Sue (Chris) Topp as well as many nephews and nieces of his late wife Barbara White. Jim’s survivors also include his stepsons, Joel (Lisa) Shortlidge and Aaron (Ellen) Shortlidge and grandchildren David and Emaline Shortlidge.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, Gerald and Clara Barnes White, his brother, Bob (Marge) White and his wife, Barbara (Dyer) White.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes East Chapel, 1730 E Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held at Okemos Community Church on Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 11:00 AM, followed by a reception in the Social Hall. The family will greet visitors between 10:00-11:00AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of James Alfred White may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association www.act.alz.org or Alma College www.alma.edu