James Julian Greer Jr.

Passed away peacefully at home on Monday, July 24, 2017 surrounded by his family. Jim was born in Jackson, Michigan, on May 23, 1940 and resided in the City of Jackson until age 14 when his father purchased a farm and apple orchard in Henrietta Township. He enlisted in the US Army in 1960. Later he was employed by Aeroquip Corporation and later retired from the Michigan Department of Corrections.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, James Julian Greer and Margaret Ann Greer, his infant brother Laverne James, brother-in-law Jerry Mohon and son-in-law Kevin 'Kip' Winright. He is survived by his five children, Michelle M. Wolcott, Suzanne E. Patrick, Daniel P. Greer, James Julian Greer III and Janet Winright; the mother of his children and friend Janet M. Greer, his sister Delores Jean Mohon, brother Jerry (Felicia) Greer, his twelve beloved grandchildren, sixteen beloved great-grandchildren, his seventeenth great-grandchild, a boy, is due to join the family in September and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Anyone that knew Jim knew he was quite the character, as well as a man of great character. He lived his life to the fullest, enjoying many hobbies. He helped in the family business, Greer Orchards and Cider Mill, for all the years it was in operation. He was an avid harness race horseman from the 1970's to the 1990's and raced his horses at Jackson Harness Raceway, Northville Downs, many County Fairs across Michigan and many other tracks. He coached his children in Little League baseball for the Henrietta Reds. He was also a hunter and fisherman, sharing those hobbies with his children and friends. This gave him great joy. He owned a salmon fishing boat for many years and spent a great deal of his spare time on Lake Michigan. He loved golfing until the last couple years and going to breakfast weekly with his high school buddies. He also passionately supported his grandchildren in their sports activities and videotaped most of those events. Family time up north at the family cabin in Kalkaska County was also a passion he enjoyed for over sixty years. Jim was a dedicated and frustrated Detroit Lions fan throughout his years. He will be loved and missed by so many forever including his two "man's best friends" Sam and Rae.

Services will be held on Friday, July 28 at 11:00 AM at the Desnoyer Funeral Home. Interment St. John's Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 27 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

Instead of sending flowers, contributions to the Jackson County American Legion Ritual Team, 735 Madison, Jackson, MI 49202 or to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family owned for 127 years