James B. Betts

Jim was born on January 7, 1932, to Adelbert and Lulu (McCormick) Betts, the second oldest of four. He served in the Michigan National Guard, 1951-1952, and in 1952 he enlisted in the United States Army. Jim 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 as an inspector, ultimately building a long and successful career where he dedicated over 30 years of service before retiring at the age of 50. He also worked for Swartz Creek Schools as a bus mechanic, bus driver and talented high school baseball umpire and football referee.

Jim was a girl-dad, letting his daughters put rollers in his hair and practice their make-up skills. His daughters meant everything to him. He never missed a birthday, and every year on Valentine’s Day he gave each of them a heart-shaped box of chocolates.

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 attribute helped make him an accomplished race car driver at Auto City Speedway. Cars were always a 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 four daughters to cherish his memory: Pam Erbrick, Rhonda and husband Brian Teed, Bethany and husband Scott Koch, and Tracie Dantzler. Jim also leaves his ex-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 Rebekkah 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 Sly.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at Brown Funeral Home, 1480 E. Hill Road, Grand Blanc, Michigan.

Visitation: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Service 11:00 – 11:45 a.m.

Luncheon 11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Following the luncheon, Jim will be laid to rest at the Great Lakes National Cemetery, 5200 Belford Road, Holly, Michigan.