Obituary of James Garrett Sievert
James Garrett Sievert was born in Monroe, Michigan on December 25, 1968. He was one of three children born to James Clayton Sievert and the former Rosemary Southwell. Jimmy graduated from Monroe High School with the Class of 1987, later attending classes at Monroe County Community College. A proud member of the Operating Engineers Local, James was employed by Republic Services as a diesel mechanic.
Following in his father’s footsteps, Jimmy had a passion for racing motorcycles. Locally, he was often victorious at Milan Dragway. With the addition of a professional sponsor, Bert Baker of Baker Drivetrain, Jimmy was afforded the opportunity to travel throughout the United States with his Harley-Davidson drag bikes.
As an extremely hard worker, Jimmy always seemed to have a project in the works. From a young age he had a knack for fixing things. At the age of five, Jimmy’s Grandpa Oscar gave him a box of broken transistor radios to play with and was shocked when music began playing on one of the radios! Regularly working alongside his nephew, Joey, he fabricated pieces for his own motorcycle as well as builds for other riders. Jimmy’s “toy” collection proudly included the biggest Ford Bronco in town and a Wellcraft Scarab power boat.
Jimmy cherished time with family and friends. Hours were spent working out with his brother, Dan at Gene’s Fitness, and Jimmy adored his nieces and nephews spoiling them any chance he could. He promised to buy his great nephews “big boy toys” when they were old enough. Jimmy appreciated the simple life. Whether smoking meat or working the barbeque he had the necessities to make for a great day. An animal lover, he always had a feline or canine companion. Jimmy had a huge heart and did not hesitate to help anyone in need.
James Garrett Sievert, age 54, of Carleton passed away peacefully at ProMedica Skilled Care and Rehabilitation on Thursday; May 4, 2023. His passing was preceded by paternal grandparents: Oscar Merritt and Alice Ann Sievert; maternal grandparents: Orman and Bernice Southwell; and his step-father: John Kohler.
To cherish his memory, James leaves his father: James Clayton (Christine) Sievert; his mother: Rosemary Southwell-Kohler; a sister: Jamie Rose Simms; a brother: Daniel Jay Sievert; two step-sisters: Elaine (Aaron) Cooper and Stephanie (Patrick) Lessnau; two step-brothers: Mark (Beth) Kohler and Keith (Tara) Kohler; eight nieces and nephews: Michael Simms, Joey (Katelyn) Simms, Katie Simms, Ashley Kunath, Zack Kunath, Cameron Kohler, Kendall Kohler, and John Kohler; two great nephews and namesakes: Westley James and Owen James; and many friends.
Friends may gather from 12:00pm until 2:30pm on Monday; May 15, 2023 at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Worship Service Celebrating Jimmy’s Life will be held at 2:30pm also at Merkle’s. Procession will follow to St. Patrick Cemetery in Carleton for burial of his cremated remains. Cremation has taken place through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation, of Erie, Michigan.
Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.