James McNaughton

James (Jim) McNaughton, age 82, of Orion Township, Michigan passed away on Friday, September 13, 2024. James entered this world on January 14, 1942 in Vernal, Utah. He attended Uintah High School and earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Utah State University. He met his wife, Linda "Wendy" Kindt in Utah and the two were married on March 17, 1962.

He loved football and was recognized for his remarkable talent in High School, college and professionally. In 1964 he was drafted by the NFL Denver Broncos and the AFL New York Giants. However, he chose to join the Canadian Football League. He played for the BC Lions, and the team won the Grey Cup in 1964.

After football he decided to shift his focus from athletics to engineering. His job offer from the Saginaw Steering Gear division of General Motors brought him and his beloved wife to Michigan. After leaving Saginaw Steering, James chose to start his own company, Darling Manufacturing. James later took a position with Johnson Controls, where he worked diligently until retiring in 2009.

As a man of great faith, James was incredibly involved with St. Paul's United Methodist Church. He was a member of the United Methodist Men where he served as their treasurer, and he was part of St. Paul's finance committee. His kindness did not stop at the church doors, he spent 35 years as a volunteer National Snow Ski Patroller assisting those in need, and he took any opportunity to volunteer for a worthy cause. When he had free time, he wanted to spend it out in nature: water skiing, wakeboarding, or taking a calm evening to sit on his deck, with a margarita in his hand, and enjoy watching the wildlife around his house.

He is survived by his wife Linda "Wendy" McNaughton; daughters Penny (Joshua King) Monk, and J. Amanda (Jim) Reinke; grandchildren Miranda (Brett) Trotter, Brendan Monk, James Reinke, Joshua Reinke, and Marlena Reinke; and friend Sue Hackstock who has been a great support to both him and his wife. He was predeceased by his siblings Ralph and Jean.

A visitation for James will be held Wednesday, September 18, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W. University Dr., Rochester, Michigan 48307. His funeral will be held the following day, Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St Paul's United Methodist Church, 620 Romeo Rd, Rochester, Michigan 48307.

Memorial donations can be made to St Paul's United Methodist Church in Rochester, MI or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.