James Desmarais

Kingsford - James E. Desmarais, 80, of Kingsford, died Mon. May 28, 2007 at ManorCare Health Services. He was born on March 1, 1927 in Iron Mountain, the son of the late Fred and Marie (Berube) Desmarais. Jim graduated from Iron Mountain High School in 1945. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1945-1946. Jim attended Dundon's Business College. For 42 years he worked at Kresge's/K-mart. He will always be fondly remembered as the manager of the lunch counter. Jim was an active member of the community. He was a member of St. Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church, where he served as an usher, greeter and on the finance council. He was a member of the Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50, serving as Post Commander in 1951 and a member of the Voiture 40 et 8 and its finance officer for 30 years. Jim was also a member of the Golden K Kiwanis Club, the Knights of Columbus, and the Serra Club. He enjoyed golfing at Oak Crest, bowling, playing Bocce Ball, Smear, and Cribbage. Jim married Marjorie Hebert on June 5, 1948 at St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church. He is survived by his wife Marjorie, three daughters Ann Marie (Barry) Johnson of Kingsford, Sally (William) Dowling of Annapolis, MD, and Martha (Chris) Ritzenhein of Iron Mountain, and seven grandchildren Erik (Sarah), Gabriel, and James (Alice Hultquist) Johnson, Sarah Dowling, and Jimmy, Christopher (Emilia) Jr., and Jason Ritzenhein. He was preceded in death by two sisters Lorraine Gauthier and Marjorie Doepkens, and a brother Jackie Desmarais. Visitation will be Thurs. from 4-7pm at Tondin-Ross & Freeman Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am Friday at St. Mary Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Father Michael Woempner will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial. Burial will be in Cemetery Park. Graveside Military rites will be accorded by the Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50. Jim's grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Dickinson County Memorial Hospital Dialysis Unit. Condolences to the family of Jim Desmarais can be expressed online at www.tondinfuneralhome.com. The Tondin-Ross & Freeman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

James Desmarais

May 28, 1927 - May 28, 2007