James Henry Hildinger

James Henry Hildinger of Caro, age 86, passed away on Monday, April 5, 2021 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born September 6, 1934 in Deford, the son of the late Ernest and Effie (Allen) Hildinger and was a lifelong area resident. He graduated from Caro High School with the class of 1954 and enlisted with the United States Marine Corps shortly after. Jim was stationed in Okinawa, Japan until his honorable discharge in 1956 when he returned to this area. He had several jobs after the service, including time working for his good friend Sam Anderson at Anderson's Appliance Store. He later took a position with the Tuscola County Sheriffs Department under Hugh Marr, first as a deputy and later as undersheriff. Jim transitioned to branch manager for the Secretary of State, first in Caro, then Saginaw, and finally in Bay City, retiring in 1991. Even in retirement, Jim was never really able to slow down, so he took his passion for antiques and made them a retirement job. He also spent ten years in the maintenance department at the Tuscola County Medical Care Community, finally retiring in 2015. Jim was a member of the Caro Moose Lodge and the Caro American Legion Post #7. His life was centered around family and he never missed an opportunity to babysit grandchildren and great-grandchildren or attend any of their events. Jim could spend hours outdoors enjoying the beauty of the woods or wildlife. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed picking berries to share with family and friends. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Karen Hildinger of Caro; four children and their spouses, Robert & Jessica Hildinger of Troy, Robin & Randy Fader of Caro, Brenda & Chuck Gray of Caro, Aaron & Amie Hildinger of Caro; sixteen grandchildren, Carolina, Veronica, Alexandra, Jeff, Chad, Ashley, Sara, Amanda, Joshua, Charles, Aaron Jr., Sabrina, Keely, Molly, Maggie, and Macy; twenty-five great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; three siblings and their spouses, Ronald & Joan Hildinger of Bay City, Allen & Nancy Hildinger of Vassar, Linda Emery of Frankenmuth; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by one great-grandson, Isaac. Military graveside services under the auspices of the U.S. Marine Corps and the Caro American Legion Post #7 will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at the Indianfields Township Cemetery in Caro with Pastor Dave Wilczynski officiating. The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Shriners Hospitals. Visitation Information Date: Friday, April 9, 2021 Time: 4:00 pm End Time: 8:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map The family will be present to receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro on Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Service Information Date: Saturday, April 10, 2021 Time: 11:00 am Indianfields Township Cemetery Address: 350 Ellington St. Caro, Michigan 48723 Military graveside services under the auspices of the U.S. Marine Corps and the Caro American Legion Post #7 will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at the Indianfields Township Cemetery in Caro with Pastor Dave Wilczynski officiating. Cemetery Information Date: Saturday, April 10, 2021 Time: 11:00 am Indianfields Township Cemetery Address: 989-673-2428 | Map Military graveside services under the auspices of the U.S. Marine Corps and the Caro American Legion Post #7 will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 10, 2021 at the Indianfields Township Cemetery in Caro with Pastor Dave Wilczynski officiating.