Obituary
Jim decided to book his final bicycle trip…..one way, sans helmet. He’ll rendezvous with his wife,
Heddie and daughter, Julie, catch a coffee at McDonald’s and hit the road with the wind in his hair and
Mom in his ear asking, “What took you so long?”
A 17 year old kid from Huntsville, Alabama became a man when our nation was under attack. He left
school, joined the Navy and spent 40 months at sea circling the globe twice. After serving bravely
and honorably, he returned home to complete his studies.
Michigan quickly grabbed his attention. He landed a job, a nice car, and a date with a “good lookin
woman.” Jim and Heddie married, settled in Berkley, MI and the babies kept coming and coming, 6
boys and 3 girls. Upon retirement at age 59, he threw out the cigarettes and picked up a bicycle. As
expected, he went full in with some serious long distance mileage. He joined the famous Wolverines
riding club and clocked 400-500 miles a week. He earned the nickname “The Shadow” due to the fact
that he kept up with riders 20 years his junior. He continued to age 82 and he loved it.
Our Dad was a man of few words but his actions spoke loudly. He only expected that we do the very
best we can, develop good work habits, carry respect and integrity wherever we go and take good
care of our cars. (He was especially proud of his ’62 Ford Galaxie 406, 4-on the floor. Mom burned
rubber on Woodward and made me promise not to tell.) The one time he did speak to the entire
family was during his surprise 95
th birthday party. And boy, was he ever surprised to see all his
children, their spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren. The pure joy on his face and tears in
his eyes said it all. He told me that he “always knew his kids were good, but didn’t realize how good”.
We always knew he was a good father, but didn’t realize what a good man he was.
Had he written his own obituary he merely would have stated, ‘Hell…..He was born, he lived, he
loved, he died, he’s OK”
Your loving daughter, Peggy
We are grateful for the staff at Highpoint Senior Living, Summerfield, FL for treating Jim with
compassion and respect for the short time he resided there and Gentiva Hospice , Marion County for
their kindness while comforting him.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Heddie (July 15, 2022), and special daughter
Julie. He is survived by his children Marcy (Michael) Weinberg, Leonard (Darlene) George, Jim
George, Jerry (Sue) George, Jack (Judy) George, Peggy (Richard) Clarke, John (Wendy) George,
and Jeff ( Joanna) George, his 18 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
The family will hold a private memorial service at a later time
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