Obituary of James VanBuskirk
James VanBuskirk was born on September 15, 1942, in Monroe, Michigan. Jim was the son of Vernon and Helen (Hawley) VanBuskirk. He graduated from Airport High School in 1960. Following high school, Jim attended the Agricultural short course at Michigan State University. He then returned to the family farm where he milked registered Jersey cows until they dispersed the herd in 2017. Even though he was retired, Jim never stopped working the farm, still running the tractor just last year.
On February 1, 1964, Jim married the love of his life, Janet Eder. The couple was blessed with four children. They worshipped at Saint Roch Catholic Church in Flat Rock, Michigan.
Jim was a very proud and set in his ways farmer. He liked to make sure the job was done right and that led him to hold many positions of importance within the farming community. He was President of the Monroe County Farm Bureau, President of the Michigan Jersey Cattle Association, Vice President of the American Jersey Cattle Association and a longtime 4H Dairy leader. Jim and his family enjoyed showing their Jersey cattle and received many awards over the years. An avid sports fan he especially enjoyed watching his grandkids play sports and show cattle.
James “Jim” VanBuskirk, age 80 of Carleton, Michigan passed away unexpectedly on Saturday; February 18, 2023, after suffering from complications of a stroke. He was surrounded by his loving family. His passing was preceded by his parents: Vernon and Helen (Hawley) VanBuskirk.
To cherish Jim’s memory he leaves his loving wife of fifty-nine years: Janet; four loving children: Darlene (Kevin) Williams, Deanne (Drew) Buell, David (Yvonne) VanBuskirk, and Denise (Billy) Bondy; nine grandchildren: Erin (Joey) Brown, Jody (Brady) Clemens, Skylar and Stoney Buell, Bryce and Ashlyn Bondy, Logan, Jacob, and Zakary VanBuskirk; two great grandchildren: Chase and Bristol Brown; a brother: Bill (Terry) VanBuskirk; and one sister: Donna (Gene) Snell.
Friends may gather from 3:00pm until 8:00pm on Thursday; February 23, 2023, at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. He will lie in state from 10:00am until the Mass of the Resurrection at 10:30am on Friday; February 24, 2023 at Saint Roch Catholic Church; 25022 Gibraltar Road, Flat Rock, Michigan 48134. Father Ray Lewandowski pastor of the church will officiate. Cremation will follow at the onsite crematory, Covenant Cremation in Erie, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Saint Roch Catholic Church; 25022 Gibraltar Rd, Flat Rock, Michigan 48134 or Airport Community Foundation.
Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.