Jimmie Hobaugh

Jimmie Harris Hobaugh, age 78, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan passed away after a valiant battle with cancer on Thursday, December 4, 2014 in his home, surrounded by loved ones. Jimmie was born on December 23, 1935 in Noble, Oklahoma to Charles and Lottie Hobaugh. He would often remark, with tongue in cheek, "I'm just a red dirt farm boy..." He graduated from Noble High School in 1953. After high school, he took some classes at the University of Oklahoma when he met his future bride while flipping burgers at the student union. He proposed on their first date, and he married Virginia Mae Smith in May of 1954. He then joined the United States Coast Guard as a Seaman Recruit. He worked his way up through the ranks to Chief Boatswain's Mate. In 1963 he was a member of the honor guard for President John F. Kennedy's funeral. He attended Officer's Candidate School and worked his way upward from Ensign to Captain. He was stationed on shore and on ships on the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, Lake Erie, and Lake Superior in all sea conditions. It was during his time as captain of the Woodrush, a buoy tender based in Duluth, that he made his mark in Lake Superior history. During that fateful storm in November of 1975, he and his crew risked their lives to search for survivors and wreckage of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Later he would return with the Woodrush to survey the underwater wreckage. He was often called for interviews and speaking engagements about his experiences with Fitzgerald. He retired from the Coast Guard after 37 years of service in 1991, and he and Virginia chose to stay in Sault Ste. Marie rather than move back to Oklahoma because they loved the area and the people. He worked as executive director for Le Sault de Ste. Marie Historic Sites for several years. Jimmie also found purpose in serving others through many community groups. He was a member of Bethel Lodge #358 F. & A.M., a Royal Arch Mason, a Knights Templar, a member of the St. Bonaventure Conclave of the Red Cross of Constantine, the Upper Michigan York Rite College #40, and the Michigan College Societas Rosicruciana. He earned the special rank of 33rd Degree Mason. In addition, he was a member of the Scottish Rite, past Potentate of Ahmed Temple in Marquette, a member of the Hillbillies and the Jesters, and a past president of the Sault Shrine Club, currently the treasurer. He was the treasurer for the Queen of the North Chapter #8, Order of the Eastern Star. He was also the past president of the Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie, past Trustee of the Elks, member of the Hiawathaland Law Enforcement Officers Association, the Soo Pilots Association, and served on the Sault Ste. Marie Airport Board stemming from his past as a private pilot. Jimmie was honored to give back to this community and its people. Jimmie loved his ever-growing family. Though scattered throughout the country and beyond its borders, he proudly bragged about each of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He had a way of making all of them feel like they were his favorite, and somehow they all were. He also had an extended "family" of people he met, befriended, and encouraged wherever he went. He was fond of distributing small laminated cards with a copy of "Desiderata" on one side and "The Man in the Glass" on the other side. He inspired many with his integrity, his tenacity, his sharp, quick wit, and his encouraging pep talks. He lived his whole life as an example to prove what he often told others, "Follow your dreams, and never give up." Jimmie is survived by his wife of 60 years, Virginia Mae (Smith) Hobaugh; his daughters, Terri (Marty) Wolski of Sault Ste. Marie, Charlotte Gentry (fiancé Kevin Brosemer) of Tennessee, Kathy (Mike) Capron of Maryland; his son, Charlie (Cori) Hobaugh of Texas; 15 grandchildren, Mandy Browning, Beth (Mike) Mugavero, Anna (Vincent) Vlaminck, Emily (Nick) Partaka, Tessa Browning, Nathan (Megan) Gentry, Ben Gentry, Jake Gentry, Philip Gentry, Alison Capron, Ryan Capron, Nick (Catherine Lanae) Hobaugh, Stephanie (Matt) Hill, Rachel Hobaugh, Dustin Hobaugh; and 3 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Ervin Hobaugh; his mother, Lottie Mae (Harris) Hobaugh; his brother, Billy Ray Hobaugh; and his sister, Dolores Jean (Hobaugh) Butler. Jimmie would have also liked to express heartfelt appreciation to the doctors and nurses who cared for him in his last months of life, as well as to his many friends and well-wishers. His was truly a very full life, well-led. An open house gathering will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at C.S. Mulder Funeral Home. Immediately following the gathering a memorial service will be held with the Masons officiating. Condolences may be left online at www.csmulder.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children - Chicago.

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Jimmie Hobaugh

December 23, 1935 - December 4, 2014