Gladstone, MI
James A. “Jim” Rockwell, 91, of 118 Kenneally Blvd, Gladstone, passed away Thursday afternoon April 27, 2017 at Christian Park Health Care Center in Escanaba.
Jim was born September 13, 1925 in Gladstone, the son of William and Amelia Smith. Following the death of Amelia shortly after his birth, Jim was adopted by Frank and Ada Rockwell of Gaylord, MI. Following graduation from Gaylord High School, Jim served his country in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945. Upon his honorable discharge, Jim was awarded the American Theater Campaign Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Ribbon and Meritorious Unit Award.
Jim continued his education at Wayne State University earning a bachelors Degree in Mortuary Science. Living in Detroit, he had his own TV and Radio Show in which he covered music artists appearing in the city. His favorites were the great jazz artists of the time. Jim and Annie later moved to Texas to be near Annie’s family. While living in Texas, he did photo work for Time and Newsweek magazines.
Thirty years ago, Jim came to Gladstone, and found his birth family. Because of difficulty he had finding his family, Jim worked extensively in the State of Texas to see that adoption laws were changed to help adopted children find their families.
Jim loved Big Band and Jazz music. He was thrilled when invited to be a member of the Remnants Barbershop Chorus.
Jim is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews of the Casey, Kalishek, and Sinclair families. Also missing Jim will be special friends Mark Tall and Tom Butch. Also, a very special group of people. Lori Lauscher, who coordinated his at-home care, and those who filled round-the-clock hours with love and caring: Heidi Baldovski, Kylie Kalishek, Lindsey Rosunski, and Emily Sherk. Each of them went above and beyond.
In addition to his wife Annie, Jim was preceded in death by his birth parents William and Amelia Smith, his adopted parents, Frank and Ada Rockwell. Brothers: Joseph LeMay, William, Paul, Francis and Henry Smith. Sisters; Alma Kehlor, Rose Casey, Selina Zepezauer, Louise Hogan, Alvina Sinclair, Georgina “Toots” Kalishek, Betty Simpson and Dottie Hogan.
Jim’s family will receive friends on Friday, May 5, 2017 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Military rites will be conducted by the Gladstone American Legion Post #71 at 5:00 pm. Sharing by Tom Butch and songs by the Barbershoppers will follow the Military rites. Luncheon will follow at the Gladstone American Legion Hall.
Burial will take place in Gaylord MI at a future date.
Bill & Becky Gruber - Waterford , MI
Our sympathy to the family. We shared their joy when Jim found his way back to them thirty years ago. We considered ourselves lucky to have had a chance to meet and spend time with Jim him over the years. He was a great guy and will be missed.
Dana Kenneth Johnson - Gowen, MI
I have sweet memories of visiting Jim when he was a neighbor and good friend of my parents Ken and Helen Johnson of 115 Kenneally Drive in Lake Bluff Retirement Village. I have some memorable pictures of him at his 90th birthday party, and of him joyfully holding my 3 foot long pet lizard Slick, an Australian sand monitor.
Kelly Ann Evans - Denton, TX
Jim predicted my birth date when my mother was expecting me–September 13, 1986–and took many beautiful photos of my family. He taught my mother how to process film in the little dark room in the Smithville Times in the 80s. He was always a household name, a dear friend, but I never knew how many others shared this feeling. He was a kind, loving, charismatic soul, and I am sad to just be learning of his passing. I am forever honored to share a birthday with such a fantastic person.
Emma Hainstock - Lansing, MI
I met Jim in 2012 while visiting my Grandmother, Sonja Ford who lived just a few houses down and would come over to help him with daily tasks like sorting his mail and so on. I mention my immense love for Jazz music and art as a sophomore in high school, and my grandmother knew just who I needed to meet. Jim was a true gentleman, with a great sense of humor and so many fascinating stories about his life, and his family. He always had a big smile whenever my parents and I came to visit and once he came over to have dinner with my extended family from the Gladstone area and I showed him how to take pictures with a digital camera. Before my grandmother moved away, I was blessed with the opportunity to sing “At Last,” by Etta James for Jim. His eyes lit up, and he was very adamant that I pursue a career in music. Jim always had the sweetest things to say to my family, and was a warm-hearted and friendly beacon for the neighborhood he lived in. I am beyond blessed I was able to meet Jim and create memories with him and my family. My deepest condolences to all of his family, he will surely be missed.
Bill Betzen - Dallas, TX
Jim, this news from today, 4/9/21 was just posted by Alicia Lanier “144-1 !!!! That was the vote today for HB 1386 on the floor of the Texas House of Representatives. Next Stop: Texas Senate. Thank your Representative and call your State Senator and urge them to vote on this important proposed law to give adult adoptees access to their original birth certificates.”
Jim, you started this ball rolling 28+ years ago here in Texas. We are closer to success than ever. Thank you for all your work along the way. Rest in peace!