James Williston

James A. Williston, age 76, of Bad Axe died Saturday morning, June 29, at his home following a probable heart attack.
He was born in Flint March 21, 1926 at the home of his parents the late Harlan “Bill” and Marie (Bohms) Williston.
Jim enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 and served on the USS West Virginia in the South Pacific 4 years during WW II. After his service time, he joined his family in Bad Axe, they had moved here from Bay City while Jim was over seas. He, along with his father and family started Bill Williston & Sons Auto Parts in Bad Axe. He later completed high school and an Associates Degree in business from Northeastern School of Commerce, Bay City. On November 22, 1952, he was united in marriage to Jessie I. McDowell at the Bad Axe First Presbyterian Church. Jim and his brothers operated the family business until he retired and it closed in 1987.
He was a member of the Chandler Presbyterian Church, Elkton VFW Post #6013, American Legion #533 of Bay Port, past president of the Upper Thumb Chapter of Ducks Unlimited and a life member of the Verona Lodge # 365 F & AM and the Huronia Chapter #81 OES, Bad Axe Commandery #53KT, Scottish Rite Vally of Bay City, Huron Shrine Club, Elf Khurafeh Temple of Saginaw, Labanon Chapter #125 of Royal Arch Masons of MI.
Surviving are his wife Jessie; two daughters, Janet (Thomas) Legacy of Perry and JoAnne (Robert) Stitt of Ypsalanti; five grandchildren, Brent, Cherissa, George, Carly and James. Also surviving are three brothers, Bill (Clara) Williston of Bad Axe, Wade (Lillian) Williston of Essexville and Dave (Nancy) Williston of Bad Axe and three sisters, Shirley Pasant of E. Lansing, Phyllis Clutter of Willamette, IL and Janet (Henry) Saikin of Glenview, IL an many neices and nephews. A brother, Harlan preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 AM Tuesday at the First Presbyterian Church, Bad Axe with Rev. Jan Dykshoorn, pastor and Rev. Frank VanValen officiating.
Friends may call at the First Presbyterian Church, Bad Axe from 2 to 9 PM Monday and after 10 AM Tuesday. A mason memorial service will be conducted 7:00 PM Monday at the church. Memorials may be given to Shrinners Children’s Hospital, American Cancer Diabetes Assn. or the donor’s choice.