James Edward Seeley, 81
James Edward Seeley, husband of Della, father of Deborah J. Beaver, David Edward Seeley and William Dean Seeley, and grandfather to nine, died peacefully at his home on the banks of Walloon Lake. He passed from this life on Sunday, April 13, 2014, at the age of 81.
Jim was born May 29, 1932, in Scranton, Pa., to Sterling Briggs and Elizabeth (Dunham) Seeley. He grew up in Scranton and following high school attended the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business where he earned his bachelor's degree. While a student at U of P, Jim was a member of the U of P Quakers football team, playing defensive guard and was also a member of Phi Delta Theta.
Jim enlisted in the United States Army following college and served from 1954-1956; at the time of his honorable discharge he held the rank of lieutenant.
On Oct. 12, 1956, Jim married the love of his life, Della J. Barwell, and the two eventually made a home in Birmingham where Jim was instrumental in establishing Twin Corporation of Holly; the small manufacturing firm that made parts for the automotive industry began with only three employees. Twin Corp eventually grew into a company that employed more than 70 people; he was widely known and respected for his professional expertise as well as his impeccable ethics. Upon his retirement Jim sold the company to his employees.
Over the years since his retirement Jim and his wife, Della, have lived in several communities but have always held a special place in their heart for Walloon Lake, it has always been home. Jim enjoyed fishing, restoring antique boats and antique automobiles. He will always be remembered for his kind heart and incredibly generous nature.
Jim's life will be remembered, honored and celebrated with a memorial gathering that will take place at 1 p.m. Friday, April 25, at Stafford's Bay View Inn; a brief service will take place at 2 p.m. and will be led by pastor David Behling. His family asks that those wishing to honor his memory consider donations to the American Heart Association.
Friends and family are welcome to share memories or offer condolences online at www.stonefuneralhomeinc.com.
Published in the Petoskey News-Review (MI) - Wednesday, April 16, 2014
[Great-great-grandson of SGS # 3463 - James Edward; Sterling Briggs; John Henry; John Weltz, Jacob (#3463); John (#1573); Michael; John; Samuel; Jonas; Obadiah]
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