After Jim graduated high school he attended Central Michigan University until enlisting into the Army in 1965. Jim was stationed in Korea for some time and it is there that he found his love of writing and wrote for the Stars and Stripes Paper. He honorably served for 3 years and within those years he married his first wife Lorene (Whitman). The two were married in Newaygo, MI and had a little girl named Jeri.
Jim lived in many places all over throughout his life, after his divorce from Lorene, Jim was blessed to find love again with Diane; not once, but twice. Diane and Jim met in St. Johns, MI and the two were soon married. They were married for 6 years until going there separate ways. Jim moved to Arkansas and later married Mary Jane and were married until her passing. Jim later moved back to Michigan where Diane and him reconnected and spent the remainder of their days together until Jim's passing.
If you had the pleasure of knowing Jim, you would know that he became the managing editor of the Camden News in December 1995. Prior to that he worked as a reporter for the El Dorado News-Times. During his time at the Camden News, he helped develop many young reporters. He never backed down from delivering the verifiable facts to readers. He was a member of the Civitans in Camden until they dissolved. He worked as Managing Editor and sports writer covering the Harmony Grove Hornets up until his retirement in 2013. After his retirement, he continued to help in the newspaper industry. He filled in as managing editor at our sister newspaper the Magnolia Banner-News after their long-time managing editor retired. Jim is probably most known for his Sunday columns that often featured stories of his time in the Frenchport community. He loved his animals and his old home in Frenchport that was reportedly haunted. He would often tell stories to his co-workers about the old Burkett home and how he could often smell things cooking when no one was cooking. Jim continued to write columns for the Camden News and Banner-News up until his death. His wealth of knowledge and advice on all things print media will be greatly missed.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary Jane, and granddaughter Brandi Nolen.
He is survived by his love Diane, daughter; Jeri (Chris) Fucile, grandson; Daniel Fucile, step-daughters Tracie Taylor and Missie Sinquefield, grandchildren; Brett Taylor, Blaine Nolen, and Eric Nolen, great grandchildren; Hailey Jane Taylor and Elaina Taylor.
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