James Dumouchel

Jim Dumouchel was a remarkable man, who lived a remarkable life, a life built on character and charisma, on service and selflessness. He was a proud veteran, and a member of our Greatest Generation, who set an example for all those to follow. Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, whose proud legacy lives on today in all who knew him. Jims story began on a hot summer day in 1921, as the Fourth of July fireworks had finished in Muskegon, Michigan. Those were exciting times in this country, the dawn of the Roaring 20s, when peacetime and prosperity marked the start of Prohibition. On July 9, 1921, Leander and Vesta (Misner) Dumouchel celebrated the birth of a baby boy, a son they named James Ernest Dumouchel. Jim joined his older brother Bob in the familys home, though home was often where the head was for them growing up. His father was a hardworking conductor on the C Railroad, so they moved around quite a bit over the years. When Jim was a little boy, he made friends with the little girl across the street, a little girl named Evelyn Gudelsky. He eventually moved away, but little did Jim know what the future held for the two of them. The family settled again in Muskegon after some time away, and Jim finished his schooling at Muskegon High School, attending through the 10th grade. During the next few years he worked for the CCC, the Civilian Conservation Corp, on projects in the area and found time to start dating, too. He had reconnected with that pretty little girl from across the street, who had grown into a beautiful young woman. Jim and Evelyn would soon be separated by the darkening skies of World War II, however. Jim decided to join the Army Air Corps on August 19, 1942, and soon began training to be a tail-gunner on B-17 bombers. Before he knew it, Jim was sent to England in 1943, where he served with the 8th Air Force, 91st Bomb Group, 323rd Squadron. Over the next year, Jim flew on 28 missions over Europe, from France to Norway to Germany, all of them very dangerous missions. Though it was often harrowing duty, Jims spirits were buoyed by his beloved Evelyn back home, who lovingly wrote him letters by the dozens. Their letters back in forth became cherished family heirlooms, stacked neatly in a pile and tied with a ribbon, kept for safekeeping even today. On Jims final mission overseas, he was shot down, and the plane crash-landed into the English Channel, killing half the crew and leaving Jim deaf in one ear. He was picked up by a rescue boat in the Channel, but was mistakenly reported as killed in action. It was quite a surprise when he showed up at his base in Bassingbourne, England! For his bravery and valor, Jim was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, along with the many other medals the young Staff Sergeant collected. Jim returned to the States, and his fateful crash made him realize what and who was most important. He and his beloved Evelyn were married on November 14, 1944, beginning so many wonderful years together. They then went to Ohio, where he served out his commitment to Uncle Sam, before settling in Muskegon after he was discharged. The newlyweds bought a lovely home on Isabella in their hometown, a house where they would form so many wonderful memories, raise their family, and live the rest of their lives. Jim and Evelyn were soon blessed with three wonderful children, their son James in 1948, daughter Rae in 1952, and their son John, who rounded out the happy family in 1953. Jim was a proud, supportive father, who was very involved in his childrens lives. He was always on the sidelines for his sons games, and was a band parent, as well. The family did much together, from faithfully attending Central United Methodist Church each Sunday, to going on picnics at the beach. In the summertime, the family packed up the car and headed up to the Upper Peninsula for camping trips. Jim always handled the outdoor cooking, and he was great with a grill. Jim provided for his family with his career at Shaw Walker in Muskegon, where he made office furniture. Jim enjoyed it there, and enjoyed the people he worked with, and even bowled on the companys league for many years. He also walked to work nearly every day, his entire 40-year career there, until retiring in the 1980s. Jim and Evelyn enjoyed their retirement together, and loved spending more time together and going to the Port City Playhouse. They also had a great group of friends they did things with over the years, and often got together to play cards. Jim was also an avid golfer, a longtime member of the American Legion, the DAV, and a life member of the 91st Bomb Group Historical Society, too. Jim was rightfully very proud of his service, and passionate about attending his Air Force reunions. He went to a reunion every other year, all across the country. His beloved Evelyn went with him to the reunions for many years, until she sadly developed Alzheimers, and had to move to a nursing home. Afterward, Jims son John traveled with him to many reunions. Jim missed his beloved Evelyn, but visited her often and got to know the staff there very well. He persevered on his own for a number of years, but in 2007, his health began to decline, and he moved to an assisted living center for a time. Eventually, he moved to the DeBoer Nursing Home, where his beloved Evelyn lived. Sadly, Jim died there on Saturday, December 15, 2007, at the age of 86. Jim was a remarkable man, who lived a remarkable life, a life of proud service, duty and honor to his country. He was one of our Greatest Generation, who fought so bravely for their share of the American Dream, a dream he so richly deserved. Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, but more than anything, Jim was an example to all who knew him. He will be so greatly missed. Jim is survived by his wife, Evelyn; 2 sons, James (Jean) Dumouchel of IL & John (Danelle) Dumouchel of Muskegon; 1 daughter, Rae (Norbert) Izworski of Dearborn, MI; 2 grandchildren, Jerrett (Katy) Dumouchel of FL & Jody (Donald) Tutt of IL; 2 great grandchildren, Laura & Evelyn. Services are scheduled for Friday, December 21, 2007, 11:00 AM at Central United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Randall R. Hansen officiating. Visitation is Friday, following the service at the church. Memorial donations may be made to the 8th Air Force Museum or Alzheimers Association. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a memory or photo of Jim, or to sign the online guest book.