James T. Chase

James Thayer Chase aged 87 of Scottville, passed away peacefully at his home February 24, 2017. Jim was born December 17, 1929 in Mt Pleasant, Michigan to Edward and Gertrude Chase. He graduated from Ludington High School in 1947 and served in the US Air Force during the Korean War. He married Marie E Erickson of Ludington on June 9, 1956, and they have celebrated 60 years by each other’s side. They had two children, Susan Fitch and husband Keith of Parker, CO, and David Chase, who preceded Jim in death. Jim is also survived by 3 grandchildren, Laura Fitch Wyse and husband Jon of Engelwood, CO, Matthew Fitch and wife Amanda of Grand Rapids, and Amy Fitch VanZyl and husband Joshua also of Grand Rapids, 4 great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Wyse, Alexander Wyse, Andrew Fitch and Benjamin Fitch, and many nieces and nephews. He was the youngest of 8 children, all of whom preceded him in death: brothers Irah, Alden, Orson, Alvin, Richard, Robert and sister Lucy. Jim farmed near Custer for many years and served on the boards of the Michigan Milk Producers Association-PM Local, the Dairy Herd Improvement Association and Michigan Animal Breeders Association. He utilized progressive farming techniques and in 1966 the Chases were named Outstanding Young Dairy Couple of the Year for the local region and runners up at the state level. Jim was employed by the State of Michigan as a Work Camp Supervisor in the Dept of Corrections, Camp System, working at Camp Sauble and Camp Pugsley. Jim and Marie served with Continental Baptist Missions as missionary church builders, traveling around the US constructing buildings for very small congregations, and later making steeples, trim and church furniture in their woodshop in Scottville. Jim retired from full time building activity in 1999 but continued working in his shop helping many churches and ministries. Jim enjoyed camping, fishing, debating politics and working in his yard. He loved his family and his country, taking pride in both, and had been involved in the Ludington Area Tea Party. Jim was an active member and deacon of Gospel Light Baptist Church of Ludington, and had previously served in teaching and leadership positions at Custer Baptist Church, Calvary Baptist Church of Ludington, Kingsley Baptist Church, and Baldwin Baptist Church. His greatest passion was serving his Savior, Jesus Christ. Funeral services will be held for Jim at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, February 28th at Gospel Light Baptist Church with Pastor Brad Chandonnet officiating. Burial will take place at Brookside Cemetery in Scottville. Friends may meet with his family for a time of visitation on Monday from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 PM at Wyman Funeral & Cremation Services – Stephens Funeral Home in Scottville, and on Tuesday from 1:00 PM until time of services at the church. Those who wish to remember Jim with a memorial donation are asked to consider the “Piano Fund” at Gospel Light Baptist Church, 105 N. Dennis Road, Ludington, MI 49431. Please visit Jim’s memory page at www.wymanfuneralservice.com to leave a tribute for his family or to light a candle in his memory.

James T. Chase

December 17, 1929 - February 24, 2017