James “Jim” LaLonde

St. Jacques, MI

James “Jim” A. LaLonde, age 84, of St. Jacques, passed away Saturday, July 29, 2023 at his home surrounded by family.

Jim was born on July 2, 1939, the son of Albert and Hazel (Artley) LaLonde. He attended and graduated from Gladstone Area Schools Class of 1958.

Jim enlisted into the United States Air Force November 1958 up until he was honorably discharged in 1962.

Jim was united in marriage to Carol Hebert on August 10, 1963 at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Nahma where they lived and raised their family.

Jim refereed basketball for over 20 years and was an avid golfer being a member and working at the Nahma Golf Course.

Jim was also an outdoorsman. He looked forward to hunting season every year and enjoyed visiting the Gendron camp in Stonington and taking part in the yearly buck poll. He also loved to fish. Jim was one of the original founders of the Volunteer Nahma Fire Department. He served as Fire Chief for several years.

In retirement years he enjoyed making maple syrup in the Spring. Jim was a lifelong member of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church. Jim spent many years coaching Little League and being involved in the Babe Ruth League. He always rooted for the Detroit Tigers.

Jim especially cherished his family time. He never missed a sporting event if he could help it. He loved being a Grandpa.

Jim was able to be a part of the September 7, 2022 U.P. Honor Flight mission and have his Son, Dwayne as his passenger.

The LaLonde family would like to give a special  thanks to Schoolcraft County Hospice especially Lori and Angie for their exceptional care.

In addition to his loving Wife, Carol, Jim is survived by:

2 Sons: Daniel (Michelle) LaLonde of Rapid River, MI

              Dwayne (Katina LaRose) LaLonde of Cooks, MI

4 Daughters: Diane (Kurt) Brannstrom of Richmond Hill, GA

                      Donna (Steve) Silveous of Metamora, OH

                      Debra (Jeremy) Hardwick of Escanaba, MI

                       Darla (Mike) Falcon of Greenville, MI

Sisters: Joan (Jerry) Mrofka of Mount Clemens, MI

14 Grandchildren: Alyssa (John) Swanson, Heather (Kris Hewitt) LaLonde, Luke LaLonde, Kristianna (Scott) Jorgenson, Kyle (Rebecca) Brannstrom, Brett (Alexandra Tower) LaLonde, Alex LaLonde, Brian (John) Silveous, Erica (Mason) Langenderfer, Tauri (Kyle Baker) Hardwick, Tyler (Lauren Cousineau) Hardwick, Michael (Rachel) Falcon, Jr., Matthew Falcon, John Falcon

14 Great Grandchildren

And numerous Nieces, Nephews and Cousins

In addition to his Parents, Jim is preceded in death by Brother, Richard LaLonde and Sister, Durelle Polk

Family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 from 3:00 until 6:00 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone.  Vigil prayers and Jim’s Final Call with the Nahma Volunteer Fire Department will take place following the visiting hours. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday August 3, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Nahma, MI. A luncheon will follow at the Nahma Hall. Jim will be laid to rest in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells, MI where military honors will be presented by the Rapid River American Legion. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the LaLonde family.