Jim graduated from Sexton High School in 1954, and enlisted in the United States Air Force honorably serving 4 years for his country. Jim worked for GM his entire adult life, retiring as a foreman from Fisher Body after 37 years.
On July 29, 1961 Jim married “Cricket” (Oliver) and together they celebrated 58 years of marriage. He will be remembered for his edgy humor that would usually end with him laughing the loudest; He also loved road trips--on one particular trip he and Cricket drove to Alaska to enjoy the Northern Lights together – it was supposed to be 3 months but they returned after 6 weeks because they were homesick.
He also had a passion for the outdoors, especially camping and fishing trips to Rice Lake in Ontario. He would take the family to the right spot to catch all the walleye and panfish we could handle. Jim was an exercise buff most of his life, waking up at 4am to workout. In fact, at 55 years young, he could bench press 315lb.
He was also a person that could build or fix anything, and his construction was so sturdy you could drive a tank over it. And, of course, with his automotive career and attention to detail, his vehicles were always pristine and far superior to stock.
But mostly, Jim was a family man who was always there to help, and his word was his bond – if he said he would be there and do something, it would be done.
Jim is survived by his daughter Lona Jean, her husband Joe Simmons; Son Jason his wife Tammy Bristol-Aldrich; his daughter-in-law, Dawn Aldrich-Harris; 5 grandchildren, Jillian, Shane, Lucas, Destiny and Riley; and 3 great-grandchildren, Lillian, Lona, Samson; sister, Dorothy Laudenslager and Sister-in-law Carol Oliver and Barb Oliver.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife Cricket, his son Jeff, daughter Janet, his grandson Zachary, Sister Jane Strickland and Sally Symond, Brother-in-law Merle Oliver (by just a few days) as well as many other loving family members. He will be dressed in his favorite MSU shirt just to get Cricket’s goat when he arrives in heaven.
No Services will be held at this time, as Jim and Cricket didn't want a fuss over them after they died, and we don't want them to haunt us! We will plan a celebration of life in the future. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to the Capital Area Humane Society.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.tiffanyfuneralhome.com for the Aldrich family.
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