James Pedler

There are many people who busy themselves trying to make a mark on the world whether through great wealth, stature, or the praise of others. Jim Pedler didnt put much stock in the accumulation of any of these things, but spent his days making the most of life for himself and those around him. It was no secret that he felt blessed to have his true love by his side with whom he established the family he treasured. A more devoted father would be hard to find since Jim taught us that being a father is so much more than providing for the physical needs of children, but that it is truly a matter of the heart. He leaves behind a legacy that his children and grandchildren will be proud to carry on. The early thirties were some of the darkest days our nation has ever seen since the Great Depression held us firmly in its grip. The year 1931 saw the doubling of the unemployment rate and as a result, countless people lost their homes in addition to their jobs. There were glimmers of hope, however, such as the completion of the Empire State Building and the conviction of Al Capone. An unforgettable year was in store for the family of Victor and Lillian (Lancaster) Pedler as well since it was on April 18th of that year that they welcomed the birth of their son, James Edward. Born in Muskegon, Michigan, Jim was the youngest of three children in his family including his older sisters, Joyce and Phyllis. His father was a postmaster in Muskegon Heights while his mother was an LPN at Hackley Hospital. Since Jim was quite a bit younger than his sisters, Joyce helped care for him, and he was often tagging along behind her. It was as a young boy that Jim developed a deep love for the outdoors. Many hours were spent playing outdoors with his family and friends. He especially loved fishing and started tying his own flies during his younger years. It was not uncommon to see Jim jump on his bike and head to Mona Lake for some fishing. As a student, Jim attended local schools including Muskegon Heights High School where he played the trumpet in the marching band. After graduating from high school in 1949, Jim went on to Michigan State University. Life took an interesting turn while he was in college when he met the young girl who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Geraldine Langford, and they met at a dance at Schillers Barn in Whitehall. Jim noticed Jeri and asked her to dance, and she accepted. After that fateful evening, Jim went back to East Lansing while Jeri went back to nursing school, although they kept in touch. During this time, he earned some extra money as a lifeguard at Pere Marquette in Muskegon. Not long after graduating from college with a degree in teaching, Jim was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He was stationed at Ford Hood in Texas and since Jeri was always in the forefront of his mind, he came home on leave and married his sweetheart on March 13, 1954, in Muskegon. The honeymoon phase was short-lived, however, since Jim needed to return to Fort Hood, and Jeri had a couple more months of nursing school. After her time in school was completed, she moved to Texas to join her husband, and they were finally able to begin their life together as husband and wife. When Jim completed his time in the military, the couple returned to Muskegon where he secured employment with GTE. They purchased a house down by the channel in Muskegon and it was in 1956 that they welcomed their daughter, Sheryl, into their hearts. When their son Jamie joined their family in 1957, the family was complete. There was plenty of time for fun in the Pedler family including adventurous trips in the big station wagon to Yellowstone and Florida. The Pedlers also frequented Hamlin Lake where they camped and hiked with Jims sisters and their families. Jim was a wonderful father who taught his children to embrace the outdoors he so dearly loved. Jim enjoyed taking Jamie and two of his friends on a male bonding trip to Yellowstone in a Volkswagen van. The holidays were always such special times to Jim since it was a time for the whole family to gather together. Jim retired in 1982 from GTE. He held many positions during his 26 year career at GTE, retiring as The Director of Business Relations. Those who knew Jim were well aware of his loyalty to Michigan State when it came to sports and that he was also an avid Detroit Red Wings fan. Jim loved not only fishing, but also hunting, running, and playing tennis as well as painting in water colors. He treasured the time he spent building a boat with his son and being at his cabin in the woods in Hesperia. Since he retired at an early age, Jim was able to try some new hobbies - even things on a larger scale such as buying houses and fixing them up. He was overjoyed to become a grandfather and right away, spending time with his grandchildren became one of his most treasured hobbies. Jim was a regular at their sporting events and frequently took them fishing and boating. Jim mastered what it meant to love each person in his life in their own way. He and Jeri spent winters in Florida for years, and she cherished that special time together. Sheryl will never forget the time Michigan State University played for the national hockey championship in St. Louis. The whole family met there with Jim and Jeri coming up from Florida and other members coming to St. Louis from Muskegon, Ohio, and Denver. He was so proud when his grandson, Justin, scored the winning goal. Although Jim Pedler will be remembered for his devotion to the Spartans, his great love for the outdoors, and his smoked fish, it was the way he cared for others ahead of himself that will be his lasting legacy. He approached everything in life with his laid back spirit and good natured demeanor, even when trying times came his way. Jim was a true gift in the lives of those around him and will be deeply missed and warmly remembered. James E. Pedler died on Monday, January 10, 2011. Jims family includes his wife, Jeri; children, Sheryl (Joseph) Abdelkader of Norton Shores and Jamie (Pam) Pedler of Denver; grandchildren, Jamie Lee (Brent) Kuzma of Rockford, Justin Abdelkader of Detroit, Nick & Mark Pedler both of Denver; many nieces, nephews, cousins & friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Joyce Bass & Phyllis Ahearn. Services will be held on Friday, January 14, 2011, 1:00 p.m. at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Rev. Tim VanderHaar officiating. Visit with Jims family and friends on Thursday, 6-8 p.m. and Friday, 1 hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home Muskegon location Muskegon, MI. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or make a memorial donation to the Jim & Jeri Pedler Scholarship Fund at MSU or Mercy VNS Hospice.