James Robert Casey

James Robert Casey went home to the Lord on Sunday, Feb. 8 after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia and his parents Ray and Alta Casey. He is survived by wife, Laverne, children Bonnie Stowe (Gary), Connie Borrie (Bob), Jim Casey Jr. (Rebecca); 8 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren along with his step-children William and Raquel Plummer, Linda and Terry Kelly and Dianne and Jerry Curtis. Jim, born on January 20, 1925 in Detroit, Michigan lived a life filled with love, laughter and service. After graduation from Cass Tech, where he served in the ROTC program, with a degree in commercial printing he worked at the Detroit Times as a Pressman. He soon enlisted in the Army of the United States and served with the MP battalion attached to the 76th infantry division participating in the European Theatre of Operations. Upon discharge he served in the U. S. Reserves as an M.P. Jim’s career as a pressman spanned over 44 years during which he worked at the Detroit Times, Detroit Free Press, Detroit News and The Royal Oak Daily Tribune as well as being on loan to multiple major newspapers throughout the Midwest area. Jim was a life time member of the Graphic Communications International Union. Jim was an active member of the American Legion for 62 years. He served as Commander of the Charles Edward Birmingham-Troy Post #14, Commander of the 18th District of Michigan, the Department Vice Commander for the State of Michigan twice and the membership Chairman for the State of Michigan. Upon moving to Florida he became active with the American Legion Color Guard in Winter Haven. Jim was a 32nd degree Mason, member of the Free and Accepted Masons of Michigan since 1952. He then went on to become a Shriner (A.A.O.N.M.S of Southfield, Michigan) with whom he participated in multiple charitable fundraising projects including Detroit’s ever famous Shrine Circus whose proceeds are used to help young children who need orthopedic or burns treatment. In 1990 Jim and his wife, Laverne, left Michigan their home state of 60 years and happily settled in Lakeland, Florida. There they became members of the Parkview Baptist Church and immediately knew they were home. They have enjoyed a beautiful life together as Floridians making wonderful friends and memories. James Robert Casey was a man who loved deeply, with his whole being. He loved children, music, cookies, dogs and laughing. His family was unquestionably always his primary focus and joy. The love he held for each individual family member had no measure. He was a man of great character and met challenges with strength and unswayable determination. He never ever compromised what was right for what was easy. His absence at every family gathering, times of stress and time of joy will always be felt with a bit of sadness and loss, but will be followed with a smile, a quiet chuckle or even great belly laughs as we are flooded with memories that only his love could have given us. A memorial for Jim will be held at the Parkview Baptist Church 509 Parkview Place, Lakeland on Thursday, February 19 at 11:00. In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations for the Parkview Baptist Church or The Cornerstone Hospice.

James Robert Casey

January 20, 1925 - February 8, 2015