Traverse City Record-Eagle

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March 22, 2012

James 'Jim' Catton

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HONOR — James "Jim" Catton, 70, of Honor, formerly of Northport, punched his ticket and boarded the morning train March 19, 2012.

It was a glorious day here on Jim's beloved Platte River. A gentle wind was blowing in off of Lake Michigan, the sun was shining with temperatures in the 80s, and the birds were singing a beautiful song of farewell. It was a perfect day to die and my Jim, the love of my life, chose this day to leave all the pain and indignities of this world behind. He died peacefully shortly after noon. I celebrate his life and the wonderful gift God gave me 49 years ago. My Jim is free to wander the great forests of heaven, no longer tied to a wheelchair. His spirit soars with the eagles.

How do we judge a man after he departs this world? Do we look at the degrees he's earned, the career he chose, his status in life, or do we look at the people he touched in his journey through life and the things and places that brought him joy?

First and foremost, Jim was a loving family man and a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Jim loved the forests, lakes and of course, his Platte River. These legacies have been passed on to family members and his love of nature lives on.

Jim was a teacher who never stopped learning, and in his later years he took great pride in being a political activist, always fighting injustice wherever he found it. Though he shared not a drop of American Indian blood his heart, spirit and support was with the Indian nation.

So this is the man and these are the things that made him the man we love.

Jim was a supporter of St Jude Children's Hospital, and being a cancer survivor it broke his heart to see children suffering the same fate.

Jim is survived by his wife, Diane (Harris); his daughter, Kim Marie Kibler and son-in-law, Ron Kibler, of Traverse City; his four grandchildren, Tyler Catton, Kennedy Kibler, Kyle Kibler and Kole Kibler, all of Traverse City. He is also survived by his brother, Richard Catton (Joanne), of Suttons Bay; his sister, Beverly Merry, of Gaylord; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Michael; his brother, Alden; his niece, Karen; and his parents, Dorothy and Richard Catton.

Cremation has taken place and no services will be held at this time.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the charity of your choice, the political party of your choice or remember the Indian nation.

The Bennett-Barz Funeral Home in Beulah is in charge of arrangements; www.bennett-barzfuneralhome.com.

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