Mr. James “Jim” E. McIntyre, age 78, of Rockford, passed away very unexpectedly on Thursday, October 7, 2010. His parents, R. L. (the auctioneer) and Gladys (nee Rowlin) McIntyre had a farm in Cedar Springs and that is where Jim learned to farm especially when walking behind the horses. He was the youngest of six children who grew up during the Depression era. In 1950 Jim graduated from Cedar Springs High School. He farmed with his father-in-law Harold Caldwell until 1960 and then purchased the Russell Dunn farm. Jim and his wife Kletis farmed with the help of their children and nephews, Mick and Ken Wesche. For most of his life Jim had been a farmer, but he also found time to be of service to his community. From 1988 until 1992 he was a Trustee for Courtland Township and from 1992 until his death he was Township Supervisor. Jim was a respected man who spoke with deeds, not words. He was Past President of the Rockford Junior Baseball League, coached baseball, and developed part of his farm as a baseball field. For over 40 years McIntyre field has been used by baseball teams and is still used for church leagues and T-ball. Jim believed in self-education and was a voracious reader. He loved to play cards; and when he was younger, he attended barn dances (where he met the love of his life, Kletis). Jim is survived by his children, Doug and Phyllis McIntyre of Rockford, Edward and Cherie McIntyre of Rockford, Annette “Ann” and Brad Harrington of Cooks, MI, and Arn and Kimberly McIntyre of Rockford; grandchildren, Brooks McIntyre, Nick Arnett, Benjamin McIntyre JD, Abby McIntyre, Raija McIntyre, Keaton McIntyre, Sara Harrington; special grandchildren, Jenny Van Huis and Julie Swartz; great-grandchildren, Stephan, Zachary, Corey, and Gavin; brother and sister, Mrs. Mildred (Wesche) Robertson of Rockford and Don McIntyre of Cedar Springs; nieces and nephews; and a long-time friend and companion, DeEtta Robertson and her family. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Kletis on May 28, 2007, his grandson, Braden McIntyre and his brothers, Lawrence and Robert, and sister, Edna Hyde. The service for Mr. McIntyre was Monday at 1:00 p.m. at the Pederson Funeral Home with Pastor Bruce Wilson officiating. Interment in Courtland Township Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Courtland Township Fire Department. Friends met with the McIntyre family at the funeral home from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday and from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday.

The Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford. www.pedersonfuneralhome.com