James Allen Dalum

DALUM, Mr.

James Allen

James Allen Dalum, 88, of Muskegon, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 30, 2024.

Jim was born October 11,1935 to Harold and Veronica Dalum in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. He was a proud Wisconsin native that frequently shared the lore of the mischievous Hodag with his family. Upon graduation from high school, Jim was drafted into what he frequently called "Uncle Sam's Army," proudly serving for several years. He married Sara Lou Dion on November 17,1959 and settled in Muskegon. During their 36 years of marriage before her death in 1996, they were beloved fixtures in their neighborhood and at St. Jean's Catholic Church where he sat on the parish council. Jim could always be found enjoying his community. Whether it was taking in a local high school football game, quietly reading at Pere Marquette Beach, or riding his bike through Marsh Field Neighborhood, Jim was a true patron of what Muskegon offered. After his retirement as an accountant with Superior Metal Products, Jim spent his time volunteering with truancy patrols at local schools, tutoring kids at Moon School, food pantries, Muskegon Summer Celebration, Michigan Irish Music Festival, and Muskegon County Airport serving coffee at 5am to new arrivals. During his downtime, he could be found at his kitchen table, listening to his radio, playing solo cribbage while meticulously tracking his score on endless scraps of paper. Jim was a loyal, steadfast, faithful man who always had a glass half full attitude. His family will deeply miss his pancake dinners, full cookie jars, and reassuring presence wherever he went.

SURVIVORS

Jim was beyond proud of the family he and Sara Lou built. He is survived by his three children, Debbie (David) Hyde, Brenda (Tom Kelly) Billings, and Tom Dalum; grandchildren, Amanda (Mason) Snyder, Alisha (Drew) Rasmussen, Andrew (Heidi) Dalum, Amber (Nate) VanBoxel, T.J. Dalum, and Travis Dalum; 12 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by: his wife, Sara Lou; parents, Harold and Veronica; and sister, Kathaleen Stanga. A special thanks to Medi Lodge - Grand Haven and Heartland Hospice for their kindness to Jim and his family.

SERVICES

Mass of Christian Burial 10AM Monday, July 8, 2024 at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception 239 W Clay Ave, Muskegon. Visitation will begin at 9AM at the church and continue until the start of the service. Entombment will be at St. Mary's Cemetery following the service.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Childrens Hospital.