James Carl Emmert

James “Jim” Carl Emmert, age 82, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2022 with his wife Cindy and dog Lucy by his side, after suffering a long debilitating illness. Jim was born on August 15, 1939 in Battle Creek, MI to Robert and Helen Emmert. He spent the last 40 years tenderly devoted to the love of his life, Cynthia Kay Yeck-Emmert; they were married in 1995 (their way) dressed wild-west/saloon-girl style in Las Vegas on Valentine’s Day. Jim was a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather; a FUN and supportive family man, who also considered his many faithful friends and neighbors his wonderful extended family.

The incredible man endearingly called Jimmy, Jimbo, Jimbob and Buddy was known for having an all-encompassing intellect and massive amounts of talent, skill, interest, hobbies, and humorous quirks that brought pure joy to all around him. He loved people and pets; singing and playing his guitar, mandolin, piano, harmonica and wooden spoons; listening to bluegrass, folk and country music; camping at the Wheatland festival making arts & crafts, music and new friends; spinning his infinite stories for laughs; tricking the children with jokes and magic; riding his motorcycle with his wife on the back (or by his side on her own); traveling the world; bantering politics; hanging out his tax-man sign every spring to get paid in peanuts; and even sky-diving was somewhere in the mix.

There was NOTHING he wouldn’t try; couldn’t fix; or didn’t figure out how to make with his own two hands. He should have had his own TV show “The Happy Handyman Helper” for how he spread the wealth of goodness and love that flowed through those hands. There was no tool he didn’t know how to use and own two of so he could give one away. “Woodworker” should have been his middle name. He carved, he burned, he made wooden animals, birdhouses, signs, chains, toolboxes, mantles—just everything. He rebuilt an entire farmhouse, and inconceivably dismantled then rebuilt a 110-year-old barn one distressed beam at a time in precisely the same manner so it was as original as possible. He created beauty with the wonder of his own mind and tenacious will. He would NOT give up; not on a task; not on a project; not on anyone or anything; not in life! He persevered through extraordinary circumstances all through his life and death in his own Johnny Cash way…

As an intentional good friend, Jim’s favorite words of wisdom were, “Make good choices—the direction you go in life depends on it.” His own were derived from hard honest work and service to others. He was a proud Navy Veteran; believing no task was too small, even cutting other service men’s hair on the side. His successful career working at Consumers Energy for 37 years and being a business owner of two Subway franchises in Jackson, allowed him to enjoy an early retirement. His obsession for volunteering extended to many. Most notably, he drove for Meals on Wheels; was on the board for Senior Meals and his township zoning commission. He advocated for eldercare, spending considerable time with Senior Advocates, and speaking passionately on behalf of the Area Agency on Aging. For several years, he taught English as a second language to a Vietnamese monk and three nuns, learning as much from them and spending hours laughing in their shared discoveries. His tireless acts of compassionate service were revered as a longtime patient care volunteer for Hospice of Michigan, where he and his wife earned Volunteer of the Year.

“Jimmy” will most fondly be remembered with a twinkle in his eyes and an enthusiastic smile, revealing traces of that youthful innocent mischief inside him; always followed by a genuinely warm embrace of deep affection. He loved his life and he loved everyone in it; he wasn’t afraid to let them know it and they undeniably felt it. It had purpose, spark, meaning, humor and heart. His benevolence has been tremendously extensive in having spent his entire lifetime consistently helping someone-somewhere-somehow-with something, and authentically loved every single second of it!

He is survived by his sidekick and constant companion (dog) Lucy; wife, Cindy Yeck-Emmert; son Steve (Dee) Emmert; daughter, “Suki”/Alison (Jeff) Roberts; grandchildren, Frank (Jalina), Paige (Alyssa) and Katherine; great grandchildren, Alexandria, Amelia; brothers, Dave (Janet), Jack (Nancy) Miller; Sisters Sue and Maureen (Rich); nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his daughter Kathy.

A memorial will be held on Monday, March 14 at Stegenga Funeral Home, 1601 Post Drive NE, Belmont, MI, 49306. Visitation is from 11am-12noon, service 12-1pm, followed by a luncheon 1-2pm. At the family’s request, your presence rather than flowers is appreciated. Those planning an expression of sympathy may consider making a donation to Jim’s favorite charity, Hearts of Hope Dog Rescue, who helped immensely when they had to rehome their little dog Barney. https://rescueofhope.com/donate/