Obituary of James Raymond Wylie
James Raymond Wylie was born in Monroe, Michigan on March 26, 1935. The youngest of ten children, he was the son of Herman B. Wylie and Florence (Edmondson) Wylie. He attended Monroe High School. He married the former Dorothy Mae Wilson on December 23, 1955 in Monroe, Michigan. The couple was blessed with six children, and celebrated 68 years together in 2023.
From a young age, James learned the value of hard work. He started work at River Raisin Paper Company when he was eighteen. He then went to work at GM Powertrain in Toledo retiring after 42.5 years in 1999. A self-proclaimed jack of all trades, he worked a second job for many years. Everything from piano delivery to installing roofs, and any big and little carpentry or electrical work he could find.
James not only was an excellent provider, but a fantastic husband and father. He enjoyed woodworking, building furniture and shelving--often to display Dorothy's collectibles. He also helped Dorothy by pouring and firing ceramics. His honey-do list was long, but never daunting! As a father, he was always adventuring with his children, often taking caving trips with spelunking lights on their heads and exploring all the wild caving trips he could find. He loved the Lord and encouraged his family to seek instruction in righteousness. For many years they worshipped at Bible Fellowship Church (Monroe) and Deerfield Free Methodist Church.
James enjoyed his Lionel three-rail train set beginning in the 1950's, and had an HO set for many years. He liked to tinker on project cars in the garage or work on his Willy’s Overland Jeep. He also loved to take train trips and cruise vacations with the family. He also had a fascination with computers from their beginnings and kept up with the latest technology.
James enjoyed being outdoors and spending time in Northern Michigan at his brother’s cabin near Oscoda. He looked forward to annual deer hunting trips with his brothers. Family time was important to him and they could be found often together, always drinking coffee and laughter was a staple at every Wylie outing.
James Raymond Wylie, Sr., age 89 of Deerfield, Michigan, passed away at his home on Thursday, April 25, 2024, under the care of his family and Heartland Hospice. His passing was preceded by his parents; a daughter, Sherry Lynn Wylie, in January 2024; nine siblings: Coralee Goins, Don (Evelyn) Wylie, Ruth (Carl) Ellison, Marie Estep, Theo Wylie, RG Wylie, Gene Wylie, Bill (Betty) Wylie, and Bobby (Jean) Wylie; and a son-in-law: James Brown.
To cherish his memory he leaves his beloved wife of sixty-eight years: Dorothy Mae Wylie of Deerfield; five children: Paula (Pat) Doherty of Monroe, Cindy Brown (John Carpenter) of Manitou Beach, Michigan, James Wylie Jr. "Jimbo" (Criss) of Deerfield, David "Bud" (Denise) Wylie of Deerfield, and Rhonda (Bruce) Branscum of Deerfield; 15 grandchildren: Patience, Penny, Eric, Deanna, Paul, Patrick, Missy, Preston, Sam, Doug, Cassie, Dan, Andrew, Sarah, and Katie; and 21 great grandchildren.
Family, friends, and all who loved James may gather from 12:00pm until 12:30pm on Friday; May 3, 2024 at the Salt Center of Light of Christ Parish, St. Alphonsus Church; 222 Carey Street, Deerfield, Michigan 49238. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 12:30pm also at the Salt Center with Denise Wylie his daughter-in-law officiating. A memorial luncheon will follow for all of those in attendance. His care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, Dundee; 297 Tecumseh Street, Dundee, Michigan 48131 (734) 529-3156. Cremation has taken place through Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan a division of Merkle Enterprises, Inc.
The family would like to thank all those who took great care of James, especially the nurses and entire care team from Heartland Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the American Kidney Foundation. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.