James Byers

KINGSFORD - James Lee Byers, 61, of 137 Lawrence St. in Kingsford, died unexpectedly on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009, at the Dickinson County Memorial Hospital. He was born July 3, 1948, in Goodman, Wis., son of Irene (Cox) Byers and the late Donald Byers. Jim graduated from the Clinton Central High School in Michigantown, Ind. He served four years in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. Jim was a longtime resident of this area and had many different positions during his working career. He was a foreman for Kingsford Broach & Tool, owned and operated the Sagola Service Station in Sagola, did carpentry construction, worked for Lake Shore as a purchasing agent, and was currently working in purchasing/project management for Customer Metal Fabrication. Jim also worked part-time for Schultz Equipment in parts and service. He was a hard worker but always made time for those he knew and loved. Jim was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing. He was passionate about the sport of trap shooting and sporting clays. He won the Indiana State Championship some years back. He served as president of the Merriman Sportsman's Club as well as the Sagola Sportsman's Club. Jim was an avid University of Michigan fan and enjoyed playing cribbage and 500 rummy. He is survived by two sons, Michael (Ann Marie) Byers of Broomfield, Colo. and Brian ( Jackie) Byers of Quinnesec; his mother, Irene Byers of Ossineke, Mich.; one brother, John (Melanie) Byers of Forest, Ind.; four grandchildren, Sydny and Mackenzy Byers and Bianca and Marley Byers; his dearest and loving friend, Jenn Merrill of Kingsford; his adopted family, Eric and Amy Merrill and their children, Tyler, Emily, and Abby of Foster City; and Martin Merrill of Plano, Texas; loving inlaws, Gilbert and Delores Moredock of Whitestown, Ind. Friends may call from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home. Funeral services will be Thursday at 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Rev. David Anderson will officiate. Condolences to the family of James L. Byers can be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.

James Byers

September 20, 2009