James J. Seger

James. J. Seger “Hawkeye”, age 78, of 15769 Trails End in Rapid River (Osier), passed away Sunday afternoon, August 4, 2019 at his home surrounded by family. He was born on August 16, 1940 in Maple Ridge Township, the son of Frederick Hill and Nellie Mae (Robbins) Seger. Jim was raised and attended school in Rock, MI where he was a graduate of Rock High School with the class of 1959. Following graduation, Jim continued working on the family dairy farm in Rock. He married the former Beatrice Ann (Vanderlinden) on February 18, 1961 and she preceded him in death on July 9, 1995. Together, the couple shared 34 years of marriage and raised 5 children. Jim purchased and operated the family farm in the mid-1960s until he sold it in 1974. He went on to further his education at the Northern Michigan Skill Center where he obtained is Certificate in Welding. Jim started his welding career with K&K Mining in Rock and later was employed at Gafner Machine & Velmet until his retirement in 1998. Following retirement, Jim purchased land in Osier, and with his passion as a labor of love, he worked on the property building ponds and improving the land – especially his beloved tree farm. He enjoyed woodworking and sold many of his pieces of art locally. Jim married the former Betty Lou Johnson on August 7, 2007 and together they shared nearly 12 wonderful years of marriage. He was a longtime member of The Salvation Army in Escanaba, was a past member of the Days River Lions Club, and was also a member of the U.P Steam & Gas Engine Association.

James J. Seger is survived by his wife, Betty Lou Seger of Osier; 2 daughters, Tina Tosten of TN, and Susan (Jay) Kelly of Rapid River; 3 sons, Timothy Seger of Gladstone, Gordon Seger of Gladstone; and Jeff (Carol) Seger of Marquette; 2 stepsons, Chris Arvey of Hart, MI, and Joel Arvey of Hart, MI; 8 grandchildren; 2 brothers, Richard (Pat) Seger of Gwinn, and Dwight (Lou Ann) Seger of FL; 1 sister, Kathy Aper (Ed) of FL; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his first wife, Beatrice Ann Seger; his second wife, Lorraine Seger; and 1 brother, Edwin J. Seger.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the U.P. Health System visiting nurses, the U.P Health System Home Care and Hospice, and the Community Home Medical, Inc. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions please be made to U.P. Health System Home Care and Hospice or The Salvation Army of Escanaba.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Saturday, August 10, 2019 at The Salvation Army in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Jim will follow at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, with Major Lee Morrison and Pastor Rell Spickerman officiating. A luncheon will be served at the conclusion of the services in church fellowship hall. 

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