James William Voorheis

James W. Voorheis, age 79, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, two days after a majestically colorful fall road trip. He was born in Flint, Michigan to Opal Wiggins and Byron Voorheis II in 1945. Jim was introduced to Patricia Thomas In May,1968. Pat said it was love at first sight when she saw Jim at a drawing-board lettering a large store banner. Jim had finished his studies at the Chicago Institute of Lettering and Design and was working for his father.

They had a June wedding in 1969 and three years later moved to Montrose when Jim needed a place for his own sign business. The couple lived in Montrose for 52 years, where Jim kept up with the changes in the sign industry- sometimes ahead of the competition.

Jim liked fishing and camping. He built dune buggies to use on the dunes near Lake Michigan. His next love was boating and vacationing at Mackinac Island while staying aboard the Kristi Lynn, the boat of his dreams.

They later traveled west by motorhome to explore the beauty of many national parks. Jim recently started feeding wild birds in his backyard. His mounds of birdseed attracted squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, woodchucks and wild turkeys. The deer and coyotes didn’t stop as ran through.

Jim shared his love for his Savior and Lord Jesus, with his family, friends and customers. He was a member of CenterPoint Church in Burton where he attended weekly and was known by many for his sense of humor.

Jim and Pat moved six months ago to Grand Blanc to live next door to their daughter, Kirsten, and her husband Brian Love, and their loving grandchildren, Brandon, Audrey and Erica.

Jim had not yet retired. He had always said he would work until the day he died. Pat wonders if he has picked up his lettering brush in heaven to serve Jesus by lettering personalized signs saying “Welcome Home”, "Well done my good and faithful servant".

A memorial gathering for James will be held Saturday, November 2, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at CenterPoint Church, 1225 S. Center Rd, Burton, MI 48509, a memorial service at 12:00 PM, followed by a luncheon at the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jim's memory may be made to CenterPoint Church, 1225 S. Center Rd, Burton, Michigan 48509 US, centerpointflint.com.