James B. Betts

Jim was born in Flint, Michigan on January 7, 1932, the son of Adelbert and Lulu (McCormick) Betts. Jim graduated from Flushing High School in 1951 and played the clarinet in the marching band.

Jim proudly served in the Michigan National Guard, 1951-1952, and in 1952 he enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed in Niagara Falls, New York, and it was there that he fell in love with the area, making almost yearly trips back to enjoy its beauty. He began his working career at AC Spark Plug and dedicated over 30 years of service before retiring as an inspector at the age of 50. He also worked for Swartz Creek Schools as a bus mechanic and bus driver, and was an umpire and referee with the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA).

On October 11, 1958, Jim married Faye (Wright). Together they raised four daughters, Pamela, Rhonda, Bethany and Tracie.

Jim was a girl-dad and his daughters meant everything to him. When the girls were young, he would let them put pink sponge rollers in his hair and practice their make-up skills. He always made sure his daughters felt special on their birthday, and every year on Valentine’s Day he gave each of them a heart-shaped box of chocolates, even as adults.

Jim was able to cuss and fuss with the best of them. Many people received Jim’s one-finger salute while also learning new and colorful language. This was especially true at Auto City Speedway where he was an accomplished race car driver, winning many checkered flag finishes. Cars were always his passion, and he loved attending car shows throughout Genesee County, having a story about each car in the line-up. Jim also owned many motorcycles and made several cross-country trips throughout the years.

After his many jobs, Jim finally retired to Sid Town in Oscoda near the AuSable River. He was well into his 80’s and still splitting wood for his chimney stove and fishing with his buddies to catch their daily limit of 25 fish. One winter between December 1st and January 30th, his ice fishing haul totaled over 1,000 fish. In 1996, Jim received Michigan’s Master Angler Award for catching “Freddie the Fish,” a 2 lb., 12-inch Bluegill that he proudly displayed on his wall.

Jim leaves his daughters to cherish his memory: Pam Erbrick, Rhonda and husband Brian Teed, Bethany and husband Scott Koch, and Tracie Dantzler. Jim also leaves his former wife and dear friend, Faye Hagon; Grandchildren David Allen, Ryan and wife Kelly Sly, Dan Chappel, Stephen and wife Abbey Erbrick, Meagan and husband Michael Haggerty, Olivia Dantzler, Derek and wife Brittany Chappel, Jill and husband Zane Dynda, Amanda and husband Garrett Schardt; Great-grandchildren Rebekah Allen, Drake and wife Shevie Allen, Emma Nelson, Jaclynn Nelson, Everett Dries, Jimmy Williams, Jack Williams, Robert Sly, Lucy Haggerty, Cecilia Haggerty, Natalie Haggerty and Felicity Haggerty.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brother Bobby, sisters Maxine Sherwood and Doris McBride, and son-in-law Robert “Bobby” Sly.

The family would like to thank the staff at Serene Gardens – Grand Blanc for their dedicated care of Jim, and special thank you to Molly and Ashton with Absolute Hospice for their compassionate and skillful care of Jim and the unwavering support and kindness extended to the family during this difficult time.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Brown Funeral Home, 1480 E. Hill Road, Grand Blanc, Michigan; Pastor Mike Perez officiating. Family visitation will be held 10:00-10:30 a.m. and open visitation at 10:30 a.m. The service will begin at 11:00 a.m. with a luncheon immediately following.

Jim will be laid to rest with Military Honors at the Great Lakes National Cemetery, 5200 Belford Road, Holly, Michigan.