James Russell Veit

Age 72, of Brooklyn, Michigan, formerly from Mt. Pleasant, MI passed away peacefully on his own terms after a battle with lung cancer. Born to John “Jack” Roger Veit and Norma Jean (Durham) Veit on June 24, 1949, in Iowa, Jim grew up in Mt. Pleasant. He earned his degree in mechanical engineering at Sam’s Technical Institute in Indianapolis right after high school and over the years was proud to have contributed to projects such as the Space Shuttle, submarines, Cadillac vehicles, the B-1 bomber, and many more.

He married Brenda (Coughlin) Veit in October 1969, and they had two children, Dina Marie and Blair Allen. They divorced and Jim was drawn to Jackson for work, where he met and married Billie Ann Howard Smith and gained another daughter, Elizabeth “Lisa” Smith Ervin. He retired as a product designer from Cequent Performance Products in Tekonsha. He always loved his work and enjoyed his co-workers. Jim was very passionate and dedicated to the things he loved, including his family, his work, motorcycles, cars, and guns, and formerly, was a proud member of the Jackson Disciples MC. Jim is survived by his children, Dina (Eric) Peek of Brooklyn, Blair Veit of Shepherd, and Lisa (Lance) Ervin of Brooklyn; his grandchildren Audrey Smith and Kyle Bonney of Jackson, Ethan Peek, Daniel Peek and Eric M. Peek of Brooklyn, Danielle (Anthony) Veit of Chesapeake, VA, and Connor (Sarah) Veit of Lake; his great grandchildren Kabriel, Kobe and Willow; his siblings Jerry (Carol) Veit of Shepherd, Jackie (Don) Mead of Hopkins, Joanne Painter of St. Louis, Judy (Russ) Britton of Mt. Pleasant, John Veit of St. Louis, Jeff (Julie) Veit of Mt. Pleasant, and Joe (Tina) Veit of Coleman; his faithful canine companion Bob, his good friend Joy and many beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his parents and loving wife, Billie Ann. As Jim wished, he is being cremated. Memorial service will be Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at Charles Burden Funeral Home (1806 E. Michigan Ave Jackson) family will receive friends for visitation from 2:00-3:30 with a moment of reflection at 3:30. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his honor to the Wounded Warrior Project.