Traverse City Record-Eagle

Archive: Friday

October 5, 2012

James Raymond Dean

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WILLIAMSBURG — James Raymond Dean, 67, of Williamsburg, was received by the Lord on Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012. James was born to Evelyn Marie (1916-2012) and Everett Eugene Dean (1910-1993) on Sept. 19, 1945.

His family and friends mourn the loss of a great man. Father, son, husband, devoted brother and uncle, mentor and friend, he gave his all to those he loved and to his passions. Those who knew him will remember him for his strength and perseverance, and his lightness of spirit. In our hearts and minds we will always carry the memories of his stories, told with dancing eyes and a joyous laugh. A man of many laughs and many gifts, he will be sorely missed. He impacted many through his passions.

An avid hunter, gifted musician and devoted farmer, he was a man of great energy and even greater love. He touched hearts far and wide, captivating people with his charisma and sincerity.

He let God's love flow through him in his relationships with others and with nature. In his free time he wrote letters, made phone calls, maintaining relationships and reminding people that he valued them. He was quick with a laugh and an inside joke. He could be hard. He valued hard work in himself and others. He pushed himself and inspired others to do the same. He always had a lesson and an encouraging word ready. He was equally passionate about sharing what he learned as he was about learning itself. He was a man of great energy, abundant love and tireless strength. He encouraged your passions while avidly pursuing his own, and never let you forget that you were special and loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Barbara and Deborah Dean; and son, Franz Eric Dean.

He leaves behind his wife, Susan (Morrison); sons, Mickey (Joy), Tony (Stephanie) and James Everett; two daughters, Ann and Patricia (Jimmy Ayers); and grandchildren, Vincent, Andre, Dmitri, Julia, Jimmy and Sophia.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, Oct. 6, at 2 p.m., in the pole barn at the Dean residence. Guests are encouraged to bring a dish to pass and their fondest memories.

Memorial donations can be made to the East Bay Calvary Church Sportsman Scholarship to foster and educate aspiring young hunters.

The family is being served by Covell Funeral Home in Elk Rapids, Michigan.

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