Traverse City Record-Eagle

Archive: Friday

February 3, 2012

James Alan Bain

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ST. FRANCISVILLE, La. — James Alan Bain was born Jan. 7, 1952, in Traverse City, to Bryant Bain Jr. and Frances (Nemec) Bain. He unexpectedly passed away Jan. 29, 2012, at his home in St. Francisville, La.

During his childhood he developed a strong work ethic running a paper route, and in his spare time he enjoyed driving a hydroplane boat along the Boardman River or sailing out into Grand Traverse Bay.

He completed the petroleum technology program at Northwestern Michigan College and worked as a Senior Measurement Specialist with Amoco/BP up until his retirement in November 2011. His job transferred him from Traverse City to Gaylord in 1981 and then to St. Francisville, La., in 1996. He earned the respect of his co-workers as a hardworking, accountable team member who knew his job through and through.

Jim married Karen Gauthier from Lake Leelanau in 1976 and raised two children in Gaylord. He always made sure his children felt valued and supported and knew that their love and legacy was the pride of his life.

From the time he was a child he was thrilled by the power of machines with big engines and always got a twinkle in his eye when talking about motorcycles or fast cars. Regardless of turning 60 years old, he recently claimed with a smile, "I still have the mentality of a 20 year old!" Although a truly sensitive spirit, Jim was a jokester at heart. Those who knew him will quickly recall his playful sense of humor and contagious laugh.

Jim had a strong appreciation of nature and water, in particular. He loved boating, skiing, snowmobiling, going for rides in the country and watching the sun set over the Mississippi River. He had been looking forward to returning to Traverse City in the summers to go boating and sailing.

He was known as a guy who could fix anything and who would go out of his way to help someone. Lately, he achieved a number of lifelong financial goals, including becoming debt-free, for which he felt incredible satisfaction.

Jim loved taking time to explain things to people and was often told he would have made an excellent teacher. He always exhibited patience, enthusiasm and creativity when educating others about topics he enjoyed. He had a particular love of history and mechanics.

Jim is survived by his children, Catherine (Chad) Veeser, of Berkley, and Anthony Bain, of Baton Rouge, La.; his grandson, Nathan Veeser; his brothers, Richard (Judy) Bain, of El Cajon, Calif., Tony (Nan) Bain, of Yuma, Ariz., and William (Mary) Bain, of Traverse City; and five nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held Saturday, Feb. 4. For more information please contact Tony at (225) 721-2363. Another celebration will take place in Traverse City in the spring, with details to be announced at a later date.

Please share memories with the family on Jim's online guestbook above.

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