James Gray Locey

Locey, James 8/6/1925 - 11/3/2016 Kalamazoo James Gray Locey was born August 6, 1925, the son of Raymond and Sadie Locey. He passed away on November 3, 2016. Jim never met a stranger. He always had many, many friends, many of whom have also gone. He was preceded in death by his parents, and survivors include his wife, Patricia, daughter Christine (Dan) Willson, sons Timothy, David (Dale Hackbarth), Thomas (Cindy) and Carol Locey, Eight grandchildren, Emily (Christopher) Ewing, Ryanne (Jason) Heystek, Benjamin Willson, Allyson Locey, Jordan, Andrew, Sarah and Nicholas Locey. Also five great-grandchildren, Jane, Lucy and Graydon Heystek and Mary and Danny Ewing. He also leaves a sister, Mary (the late James) VanderRoest. Also surviving him are a great number of nieces, nephews and cousins.Jim attended St. Augustine School, Woodward School and Kalamazoo Central High School. He also attended Ferris State University when it was still Ferris Institute.In November, 1943, Jim enlisted in the Army. He was sent to Brooks General Hospital in TX where he received his training as a medic. His unit shipped out in 1944 for Europe. He served in Belgium, Germany and France. After leaving the European Theatre in 1945, his ship was on its way to Okinawa, passing Gibraltar, when word was received that the atom bomb had fallen on Japan. The ship changed its direction and headed for New York City and Jim was honorably discharged in April, 1946.In September, 1947, he married the former Patricia A. Mitchell and they celebrated their 69th anniversary in September of this year. During that time, Jim was very active in the Boy Scouts of America, having been in Sea Scouts himself during high school. When his sons entered Cub Scouts he became a scout master at Westwood Methodist Church in Kalamazoo. In 1986, he was the recipient of the Silver Beaver, Scouting's highest honor. Jim also served as president for M.A.E.D.C.Pat and Jim lived in Kalamazoo for nearly 40 years. Upon retirement in 1989 they moved to Jeptha Lake in Van Buren County for several years.During their time in Van Buren County, Jim became zoning administrator for Columbia Township.On November 10, visitation will be at the church from 10:00 to 11:00, mass will be held at St. Monica Church on Kilgore at 11:00. A luncheon will be served afterward at the church. Burial will be at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the following:St.Monica Church, Kilgore Ave. Portage, MI 49024Hospice of SW Michigan, 222 N Kalamazoo Mall, Kalamazoo, MI 49007The Boy Scouts of America, Southwest Michigan Council 1035 W Maple St. Kalamazoo, MI 49008 Special thanks to Sojourner Place and Hospice of SW Michigan.