James Hanford Cuddeback

Jim Cuddeback unexpectedly and peacefully passed away in his home August 6th, 2017. In addition to his immediate family, James is survived by his brother Lawrence (Carey) and his sister Barbara Power (Marvin).

James Cuddeback was born to Hanford and Marion (Westlake) Cuddeback July 22nd, 1946 in Detroit, Michigan. He graduated Cass Tech High School in 1964, Michigan State University in 1972 and studied at the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture (Taliesin). He was a life long seeker of wisdom.

James met the love of his life, Nancy Lynn Padden, of Wyandotte, MI soon after moving to East Lansing. They spent the next 49 years together raising their family and contributing to the East Lansing community.

A skilled draftsman, carpenter, woodworker, potter, blacksmith, landlord and artist, Jim was truly a jack of many trades. His mastery, however, was in fatherhood.

As a trendsetting stay-at-home father, Jim took great pride and satisfaction in building a strong family through hard work, conversation, and shared experiences. He was extremely proud of his sons Abraham (Carmen) and Arjuna (Ellen). In recent years, Grandpa Jim thoroughly enjoyed participating in the upbringing of his grandchildren (Abraham Felix, Alina Mercedes, Amelia Pearl and Clint James).

The degree to which Jim will be missed is immeasurable. Rest assured that the memories we built with him, and the skills we learned from him will live on.

There will be a small gathering for family and friends at the Cuddeback residence on Thursday August 10th from 4-7pm. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Ingham County Animal Shelter.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.greastlansing.com.