James Raymond Leavitt

James Raymond “Jim” Leavitt, age 60, of Pickford, Michigan died on September, 11, 2018 at his home. He was born on August 29, 1958 in Cheboygan, Michigan, to Raymond James and Helen Marie (Barr) Leavitt. Jim grew up in Pickford and graduated from Pickford High School in the class of 1977. He joined the United States Navy and served for almost three years. He returned to Pickford and started working at Huyck’s Poultry Farm and then for Nova Vista setting up painting booths for auto detailing. While working, he earned his Master Electrician certification from the State of Michigan. Jim started working at the Cedarville Limestone Quarry in 1988 and worked for 30 years as a Master Electrician. Jim was an avid leather crafter. He worked on many projects and taught his love and patience for this craft to his nephew. He enjoyed gardening and camping with his loved partner Becky. Jim was a collector of many things and enjoyed talking about and showing his collections to his family. He had a special place in his heart for his grandson James and passed on his kindness and knowledge through him. He enjoyed his job at the quarry and from years of working third shift, would normally greet those in passing with the phrase, “Good Mornin’!” no matter what time of day it might be. Jim is survived by his children-at-heart, Ashley (Chris Goudreau) Reid, of Pickford, Eric Reid of Fenton, and Heather Thill of Chicago, Illinois; grandson, James Reid; step-father, Herman (Irene) Campbell, of Pickford; brother, Calvin (Fran) Leavitt, of Pickford; sisters, Carolyn Cottle of Pickford and Cindy (Lee) Wentzel of Portage, Michigan; step-brothers, James (Lori) Campbell and Jake (JoEllen) Campbell; step-sisters, Janet Campbell and Judy Campbell, all of Pickford; nieces & nephews, Raymond (Sara) Cottle, Daniel (Melissa) Cottle, Glen Cottle, Emelia Cottle, Raeann (Kevin) Starr, Christopher (Kristie) Leavitt, Cheri (Ben) Bush, James Campbell Jr., Christina Campbell, Nichole Graham, Tiffany (Andy) Fortin, Cassandra Campbell, Heather (Mark) Black, Derek Campbell, and many great-nieces & great nephews. Jim is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Connie Leavitt; and brother-in-law, Gary Cottle. A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2018 from 10:00am to 11:00am at R. Galer Funeral Home in Pickford. Memorial Service will be at 11:00am and there will be a celebration of Jim’s life at the home of Jake and JoEllen Campbell on Fairview Road at 1:30pm. Interment will be a private event at Fairview Cemetery, in Pickford. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rgalerfuneralhome.com

Tributes

James Raymond Leavitt

August 29, 1958 - September 11, 2018