James "Jim" Minton

Jim will be remembered as a proud Veteran and a devoted family man. He leaves behind a legacy of strength, courage, and unconditional love. He fought his final battle with grace. Forever our hero, he will live in our hearts forever.

He graduated from Lapeer High School, class of 1967. He joined the U.S. Army and served with “Big Red One Infantry Regiment” in Vietnam until he was injured during combat and was awarded The Purple Heart along with other military medals. Jim never let his injury define him. He lived a full life and always said he would do it all over again. He was a proud Patriot.

On Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2001, Jim married the love of his life and soulmate, Brenda Jean at Veteran’s Park in Lapeer, Michigan. Jim’s hobbies while in Michigan included special times with his nephew, Wesley, hunting deer and geese and spending time with his loving family.

They moved to Florida 13 years ago, where he lived in the warmth and sunshine of Winter Haven to be near his son, John and wife, Jenn, along with his four grandchildren, Vanessa, Clayton, Hannah, and L.J. Each one had their own special relationship with their grandpa. In Florida, he enjoyed trap shooting, fishing, Nascar, raising Monarch Butterflies, and playing House of Dragons, at Seminole Hard Rock Casino, in Tampa, which he referred to as “going to the bank to make a withdrawal”. During College Football season, you would find him in front of the TV rooting on his favorite team, The Michigan Wolverines. “Let’s Go Blue”

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Brenda Jean Minton; his son, John (Jenn) Livingston; grandchildren, Vanessa Moates, Clayton (Hannah) Moates, and L.J. Livingston; sisters, Denise K. Minton and Terry (Lonny) Beegle; brother, Carl (Geanine) Minton; sister-in-law, Linda Minton; father-in-law, Bill (Diane) Hewitt; brothers-in-law, Darryl (Trish) Hewitt and Art Hewitt; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, including Jamie Minton, Rebecca (Kenny) Fischer, Oren Minton, Beth Mayes, Chris (Sarah) Hewitt, Jeff (Jill) Kenel, Darrell Kenel, Stacy (Mike) Sims, Carrie Bangs, Shannon (Katy) Minton, and Wesley (Rebecca) Beegle. He also leaves behind his loyal fur baby companion, Cassie, who brought him much love and companionship. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rayburn and Betty Minton, brother Rayburn (Shot) Thomas Minton and niece Amber Lynn Minton.

The family would like to extend a special “Thank You” to Empath Hospice and also to Geanine for her kind, loving care, nursing skills, and comfort during Jim’s final days.

A private family ceremony was performed and services with military honors will be held at a later date at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jim’s honor to Tunnel to Towers, Wounded Warriors or Empath Hospice.