Obituary of James Reisig

James Michael Reisig was born in Monroe, Michigan on September 23, 1956. He was the son of the late George Gerald Reisig and the late Brenda (Newton) Reisig. Jim was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church. He attended Jefferson Schools and graduated with the class of 1974. In 1986, Jim was involved in a serious auto accident that would confine him to a wheelchair for the rest of his life. However he did not allow it to keep him down. Later in life he would use his disability to mentor handicapped teenagers. Jim was a member of the Toledo Rowing Club and a past Rowing Champion. He loved the tractor pulls and had assisted at the Monroe Couty Fair for many years. Jim had worked as a farmer and truck driver. He had maintained the cherry orchard behind his home and was proud of his cherry marmalade. He loved to play cards and especially euchre. He had a colorful and memorable personality. His sense of humor could be dry. He loved motorcycles and as a younger man he enjoyed hunting and fishing. Jim was also a certified instructor for the N.R.A. James Michael Reisig age 55 of Monroe passed away at 5:20pm, Friday, March 16, 2012 at St. Joseph Mercy Medical Center in Ann Arbor. His passing in addition to his parents was preceded by two aunts: JoAnn (Reisig) Dehn and Norma Jane (Reisig) Gillenkirk. He leaves to cherish his memory his longtime companion: Paula Drake of Ann Arbor; one aunt: Mary Martin of Polk City, Florida; three uncles: Russell (Penny) Reisig of Monroe, Gerald Dehn of Roseville, and Vincent Gillenkirk of Monroe; and numerous cousins. Friends may gather from 10:00am until 11:00am on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 11:00am With Kathleen Meyers of St. Johns Lutheran Church of Bridge Water presiding. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for inurnment at the Oaklawn Niche Feature. In lieu of flowers memorial donations are suggested to the family. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.