James Tait

James L. Tait, age 76, of Pinnebog died Tuesday morning, September 3, in the loving comfort of his family at home.
He was born May 26, 1926, across the road from his farm at the home of his parents, the late Charles “Leroy” and Florine (Pechette) Tait in Lake Twp. After graduating from Pinnebog High School in 1944, he served in the US Army in the Philippines during WW II, returning home in December of 1946.
On January 25, 1947, he was united in marriage to Eleen Florence at St. Felix Catholic Church, Pinnebog, that summer they moved to the farm in Chandler Twp. He furthered his education studying agriculture under the GI Bill. Jim helped his dad with his trucking business and farm, as did his brothers. While farming he also worked at Reimann Bros. Excavating of Filion, the Kinde Co-op, Elkton Box Factory, Goretski Excavating and with John Champagne at Pinnebog Electric for five years. After retiring from farming, he worked for the Village of Caseville part time until October of 2001.
Soon after their marriage he joined the Knights of Columbus, #1546 Bad Axe and the Elkton VFW becoming life members of both as well as the National Rifle Assn. He was a member of St. Felix Catholic Church, Pinnebog serving on the board and as an usher and was a past member of the Michigan Dairyman’s Association. He joined the American Legion serving as commander, adjutant, chaplain, service officer and member of 40/8 for many years. He served as Seventh District Commander of the Legion, past commander and service officer of the VFW, past commander and adjutant of the Huron County Allied Veterans Council and had served on the Huron County Veteran’s Affairs Board. He was part of the Blue Devil’s Drill Team competing in statewide competition and assisting at over 100 military funerals.
Jim enjoyed farming, maintaining his home and landscape, helping others and traveling. Jim and Eleen have been in 49 states plus Mexico to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara, across Canada to Quebec, Niagara Falls and a train to Hearst Canada. They spent three winters in Florida and 11 in Texas.
Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Eleen; his children, Jim (Millie) of Lapeer, Kathy Henderson of Caseville, Chuck (Ruth) of Bay City, Terry Blair of Caseville, Ruthie (Bruce), Margie (Mark) Torrey of Texas, Don of Titusville, FL, Mary (Brian) Pryor of Owendale and Paulette (Duane) Braun of Elkton; 29 grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Also surviving are four brothers, Bud (Jeanine) of Caseville, David (Sue) of Caseville, Leon (Phyllis) of Kawkawlin and Bob (Norma) of Kinde; his sister, Katie Leitch of Pontiac and many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death were twin siblings Gerald and Geraldine.
A funeral mass will be conducted 11:30 AM Friday, September 6, at St. Felix Catholic Church, Pinnebog. Rev. Fr. Joseph Schabel and Sr. Mary Schwartz will officiate with burial in the church cemetery.
Friends may call at the Champagne Funeral Chapel, Elkton from 2 to 9 PM Thursday and after 10:30 Friday at the church.
Memorials may be given to the family discretionary fund.