Alvin Witham

Mr. Alvin J. "Shake" Witham, age 86, died Friday, July 23rd at his home. He was born in Muskegon, MI on December 28, 1923 to John & Faye (Jones) Witham and married the former Mildred McLaughlin on July 4th, 1947. Mr. Witham had been employed as a switchboard engineer at the Consumers Energy B. C. Cobb Plant for 28 years until retiring in 1979. During his high school days, Shake was a member of the 1941 State Champion North Muskegon High School Football team. After his playing days, Shake was instrumental in co-founding the West Michigan Youth Football League and the North Muskegon Youth Football Club. During his tenure as a youth football coach, Shake mentored a team of young men of whom he was very proud and ultimately became the 1971 Class C State Football Champions. After his work with youth football, he became the official cameraman for North Muskegon High School Football, a post he proudly held for over 20 years. In 1968, the North Muskegon Public Schools and community recognized his achievements by dedicating Homecoming in his name. In 1999, Shake received the school's highest honor, the NMHS Lifetime Achievement Award for his work with the youth of the community. Throughout his life, Shake was an avid supporter of North Muskegon sports and could be routinely found at the football field and softball diamond watching games and practices until failing health made it difficult to do so. But first and foremost, he was always supportive of his family, especially his grandkids. SURVIVORS Sons, Denny (Pok Hui) Witham of TN, Larry Witham of N. Muskegon; grandchildren, A. J., Jenny, Dane, Samantha, Stephanie, Cori; good friend, Ruth Schaefer of Muskegon. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred; brothers Elmer, Kenneth, and Joseph, & sister Maxine. GRAVESIDE SERVICE Friday, July 30, 2010, 1:00 PM at Laketon Township Cemetery. MEMORIAL: In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the North Muskegon HS Softball Program.