On December 19, 1948, Jimmy Dwight Stubblefield was born in Guntersville, Alabama, the second son of Leo and Nora Stubblefield. As a young child, he loved spending time in the mountains where they lived. When he was closer to his teenage years, his family moved north to Michigan, eventually settling in the West Michigan area. He spent many a carefree day fishing, and hanging out at corner stores and laundromats with his friends and his brother. Quite often, he was caught flirting with the pretty girls, or getting in fights with other boys. Sometimes a little on the wilder side, Jim was very loyal to his band of what he considered brothers. From hot dogs at the corner bar to hunting trips up north, Jim spent all his extra time living a happy and carefree life. He learned from his father at an early age that a good work ethic was important. He often held odd jobs, which he used to help his family pay bills. Because of that, he always had extra dimes to buy his date a pop, or his friends some cigarettes.
One day, while hanging out at the laundromat, he met a girl named Connie. At least, that’s what she told him. After he won her over, she came clean and told him her real name, Ethyl. He exchanged numbers with the woman who would end up being the love of his life. They married on June 3, 1967, and remained married to the end.
Jim had a love of art, and was considered to be quite creative. This led to a many decade hobby and career of painting auto body. Many of his custom designs have adorned motorcycle tanks, fancy cars, and conversion vans of the 80’s. His free time was now spent sharing his love of the outdoors and nature with his wife and three children. There were hunting and fishing trips aplenty, and camping many weeks of the summers. He had a strong sense of family, and enjoyed spending time with them.
As the years passed, Jim began collecting houses. His primary career became being a property owner and manager. As the years have passed, he still often gathered with his friends to hunt or play poker, spending time with his grandkids, and enjoying the peace of his life. He was a hard worker to the end, and was very proud to be so. He loved bragging about his grand kids and great grand kids and sharing pictures and stories of them. His passing was a surprise, but he was surrounded with family.
Jim was proceeded in death by his parents, Leo and Nora Stubblefield, his wife’s parents, Al and May Calkins, and his oldest brother, Clayton Helton.
He is survived by his loving family: Wife, Ethyl (Calkins) Stubblefield; Children, Steven (Anna) Stubblefield, Jimmy Stubblefield II, and Brandy (John) Gregones; Thirteen grandchildren and six great grand children; siblings, Wayne (Kathy) Stubblefield, Donna (Arlen) Bergakker, Valerie Stubblefield, Leo Stubblefield, and Jimmy Wayne (Margaret) Stubblefield; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will take place on Friday, December 14 from 5:00 - 8:00pm at Reyers North Valley Chapel. A Funeral Service will follow on Saturday, December 15, at Grace Fellowship Church (735 Buth Dr. NE, Comstock Park), at 12:00pm with a Visitation an hour prior.
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