James Larue

James LaRue was a man who enjoyed the simpler things in life. A classic movie, an afternoon car ride, a quiet morning spent fishing. These were the things Jim loved. More than anything, though, Jim loved being close to his family, who always brought him his greatest joy. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, whose life lives on in them today. Jims story began on a cold winter day, as the calendar turned to 1941 in Muskegon, Michigan. That was a year that changed the world forever, a world which was undergoing the bitter hardships of World War II. On January 5, 1941, Theodore and Emma (Gregory) LaRue found a reason to celebrate more than the New Year, with the birth of a baby boy, a son they named James. Jim was the baby of the family, joining three older sisters and an older brother in his familys Muskegon home. He attended Muskegon Schools, and soon grew into a hardworking young man. One day Jim met a beautiful young woman named Barbara Charles, and the sparks flew between them. They began dating, and were married on June 25, 1960, in Muskegon, the beginning of a wonderful life together. Jim provided for his new bride by working at the Campbell, Wyant & Cannon plant in Muskegon. It was hard work, but it provided well for his wife, and soon enough, his family, too. Jim and Barbara had six terrific kids in the coming years, who filled their lives with pride and joy. They were a close-knit family that did much together over the years, especially camping, with Channel Park in Muskegon their frequent destination. Jim stayed at the foundry for 23 years, until taking a less taxing job at the Eagle-Ottawa leather plant in Grand Haven, working as a tool maker and repairman. Yet his days at the foundry had already taken a heavy toll on him, and he became disabled with a lung disorder, and had to stop working. In his retirement, he enjoyed the simpler things in life, watching classic movies, going fishing, or taking long car rides with Barbara at his side. He also was an avid outdoorsman, who always loved to watch the deer and turkeys drop by. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his large and loving family, especially his seven grandkids and three step-grandkids, who always brought a smile to his face. Sadly, Jims health continued to diminish, and he died on Monday, September 10, 2007, at the age of 66. Jim was a wonderful, hardworking family man, and a man who enjoyed the simpler things in life. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, who loved his family most of all. His life, and his love, lives on in them today. James is survived by his wife, Barbara M.; 4 sons, Mark LaRue, James LaRue, Jeffery (Christine) LaRue & Joel (Janet) LaRue all of Muskegon; 7 grandchildren, Beth, Sarah, Katie, Andrew, Jenna, Ben & Matthew; 3 step grandchildren, Andy, James 2 sisters; Janet Wohlfard of Muskegon & Barbara (Fred) Unger of Muskegon; 1 brother, Dick (Dawn) LaRue of Muskegon & 1 brother-in-law, Joe Whalen of Muskegon. He was preceded in death by his parents & a sister, Mary Lou Whalen. Services are scheduled for Thursday, September 13, 2007, 11:00 AM at Friendship Wesleyan Church with Pastor Chad R. Fessenden officiating. Memorial donations may be made to Hackley VNS Hospice. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a memory or sign the online guest book.