The world became a more uninteresting place Friday, December 10, 2021 when James P. Orth, age 72, of Rapid River, passed away at St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba.
Jim/Jimm/Jimmy was born August 16, 1949, in Saginaw, MI. He was a Bridgeport/Spaulding High School graduate and athlete. Jim was a member of the UAW and worked for General Motors for thirty years. When Jim retired, he was able to fulfill his dream and move to the U.P., where he could fish trout streams, lakes, and later, become The Bigfoot Whisperer of Delta County. He taught his many knuckleknobs the love of fishing and the “Buddy Rules”, which stays between them. He was the best tour guide that knew every “shortcut” and the most beautiful things to see. He played ball for many years and was regarded as one of the best shortstop players by his teammates. His love of music and fantastic storytelling has made him lifelong friends. Jim was a husband, dad, grandpa, bumpa, brother, uncle,and friend, but he was so much more than that to those of us who had the pleasure of knowing and loving him. Jimm always claimed he was “The World’s Most Uninteresting Man”, but, for those of us who knew him, it was definitely, quite the opposite.
Ode to a Summer Breeze By Jimm Orth
Sitting out here listening to the wind blow through the trees So relaxing I ask, “Keep it up, please.”
Sitting down here fifty feet below
Sure am glad it’s leaves it is blowing and not blowing snow So relaxing, it gives me time to think
Sure wouldn’t want to doze off and spill my drink
Because if that was to happen and this was the case
I would have Laura cut down all the damn trees and I would curse this place
In addition to his loving wife and best friend, Laura, he is survived by:
2 Daughters: Cheryl and Sara Orth
1 Brother: Mike Orth
5 Sisters: Kathy Thompson, Connie (Dale) Bickel, Jan DeGuilio, Kim and Deb Orth
10 Grandchildren: Jory Orth, Eli (Kyra) Orth, Sam Orth, Noah Sefcik, Alice Orth, Aron Sefcik, Jack Peterson, Harland Peterson, Cale and Finn Peterson
2 Great Grandchildren, Evelyn Orth, Karsyn Williams, and a third on the way.
Many nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters in law, and chums.
Best chum of all: Carl Groleau, partner in crime.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James and Jacqueline Orth. Father and Mother-in-law, Allen and Lorraine Duffield. His nephew, Michael Orth and great niece, Paige Duffield.
In lieu of flowers, Jim would love donations made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
No services will be held at this time. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Orth family.
Louis C.Mitchell Jr - Saginaw , Mi
Laura & the ORTH family
I’m so sorry for loss…. Jim was a great person ….I enjoyed working at SSG/Delphi & playing softball with him…. One of the best to hit the diamond baseball/ softball….We lost a good one ….
God Bless the family
Donna Beauchaine - Marquette, MI
Laura and family, shocked and saddened to hear of Jim’s death. He was truly a funny, lively and true friend to my brother Bill. Perhaps they are currently drinking a beer with both Bills right about now. My sincere condolences on your loss. He was everything you said he was.
Dianne L Crandall - Saginaw, MI
Dear Orth family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for your family. Dianne Lamblin Crandall
Don Spreeman - Saginaw , Mi
Rest In Peace Jimmy,
My condolences to all of your family.
Joe Nunamaker - Freeland , Mi
Jim was certainly one of a kind. He came to our neighborhood and we played lots of baseball together. Whenever I had first pick it was always Jim. He was on my dad’s baseball team at Hoyt Park, and was the best player every time he took the field. So sorry Orth family for your loss! I know you’re all going to miss him and God bless you all.
John Oczepek - Saginaw, MI
To Laura & the Orth family. My condolences for your loss & my celebration as Jim is with his Father in heaven. Jim was my relief man at Steering gear & a good friend. Many hours talking sports with him & Bob Frank. Always looked forward to picking the winners during the high schoolboys basketball tournament. Many good years working with Jim. Rest in peace my brother.
Tom Gerken - Bridgeporl , Mi
Laura & family, Sorry to hear about Jim. Tom and I have many good memories of him and the ball team. May he rest in peace now and hope the family will adjust to the loss with help from all the family and friends. Take care TOM& MARLENE GERKEN
Chris A Williams - Tarpon Springs , FL
I only met Jimmy a few times I knew the rest of the family fairly well but Jimmy always seem to be a good guy very friendly and considerate and I know his family will miss him greatly my deepest sympathies always and I know how hard it is to lose a sibling it’s a great loss