James Leo Wolford

Mr. James L. “Jim” Wolford passed away peacefully at Trinity Health- St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on March 26th, 2024 at the age of 91.

Jim was born on July 23rd, 1932 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to the late Leo and Illuminata (Veneklase) Wolford. He graduated from Catholic Central High School and was drafted into the Army in October 1952. Upon his return from the service he married Ann Thibodeau, on November 20, 1954. The couple had eight children together (six boys and twin girls). Over the years Jim worked for Harlo Construction, Meijer and Rockford Public Schools, as an electrician.

Family was the most important thing to Jim, and they always came first. A true “family man.” Jim and Ann were charter members at Sandy Pines Campground, where they enjoyed time with many generations of family. He enjoyed fixing up Cushman golf carts, towing their kids around the lake on water skis, and playing badminton in the backyard of the home he built. The family also enjoyed dancing with the “Swinging Silhouettes” group for many years. You would often find Jim checking out the electrical everywhere he went, telling riddles and jokes to make people smile, or rocking the latest baby in the family to sleep while humming his favorite songs.

Jim is survived by his wife of 69 years, Ann; children Craig Wolford, Bob (Shelly) Wolford, Paul (Howard) Wolford, Linda Smith, Lori (Mike) Simmons, Doug (Susie) Wolford, Jim (Vicki) Wolford and Dave (Colleen) Wolford; 23 grandchildren; and 14 7/9th great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his granddaughter; Sarah Wolford; his sisters, Marion Cichon, Phylis Oosterwal, Helen Watson, Rita Lucas and Joann Humbarger; his brothers, Earl Wolford and Ed Wolford.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 6390 Belmont Ave NE, Belmont, with Fr. Chuck Schwartz and Fr. Tony Pelak presiding. A graveside service, with military honors, will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery immediately following the funeral mass. Relatives and friends may meet the family on Tuesday from 5-8 p.m. at MKD Stegenga Funeral Chapel, 1601 Post Dr. NE, Belmont with a rosary service at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will also be held on Wednesday, prior to mass, from 10-11 a.m. at church. In lieu of flowers those who wish may make memorial contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.