JAMES LEE BLUCK SR

Died January 19, 2021

PORTAGE– On Jan. 19, 2021, Jim Bluck left this life surrounded by the love of his family as he was welcomed into the loving presence of his Lord and Savior.

Jim was born to Ernest and Viola Bluck on Oct. 14, 1941 in Alpena, Michigan. He attended Alpena High School where he was on the bowling team and played varsity basketball before graduating in 1959. Jim faithfully served his country in the Michigan National Guard from 1960 to 1968, where he served as Tank Commander and received the distinction of Sharpshooter before leaving the service.

In his early career, Jim worked as a manager of Kroger’s grocery store and at Fletcher Paper Company in Alpena until 1969. In 1969, he entered the State Police Academy in Lansing, Michigan where he received his diploma in law enforcement. He served as a State Trooper at the Brighton post in southern Michigan and then in East Tawas, Michigan where he lived with his family until his honorable retirement in 1998.

Shortly after retirement, Jim moved to Traverse City to be near family, where he lived until just recently after marrying Patti VanderBeek Bluck of Portage, Michigan. During his time in Traverse City, he enjoyed attending church and participating in outings with family at the cottage or the many lakes and beaches in the area.

Passing before him were his parents and brother, Fred (Elaine) Bluck. Surviving is his wife, a daughter, Kim (Jeff) Kowalski, three sons, James (April) Bluck, Dr. Scott Bluck, Jason (Caroline) Bluck, two stepdaughters, Amalia (Jason) Julien, Kristina (Joe) Famolaro, a brother, Thomas (Joan) Bluck, grandchildren, Jami (Kenny) Cooke, Dr. Christopher Kowalski, Mikaela (Garth) Bogart, Emily Bluck, Anna Bluck and Matthew Bluck, great grandchildren Charlotte, Audrey and Henry Cooke, 10 stepgrandchildren.

Jim will be deeply missed by his family and friends, and will forever be in our hearts. A celebration of life took place for the immediate family. Jim will be laid to rest at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Battle Creek, MI and be honored by the U.S. Army and the Michigan State Police. Donations may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or a charity of choice. Please visit Jim’s personalized web page to sign his online guest book and leave a message or condolence for his family at langelands.com