James Lindsay Glidden

GLIDDEN, James L.
Of Kalamazoo
James Glidden, born in 1920 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, son of Stanley and Janet Glidden. Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty, and sisters, Catherine and Jean. He is survived by his brother, Thomas Glidden; his daughters, Susan Glidden and Carol Glidden; his grandson, Eric Husted; his dear friend, Virginia Jacobowitz; a large extended family and many devoted friends. Jim served his country in the Navy during World War II. He was always grateful for the G. I. Bill, and for the opportunity to attend the University of Michigan. He was a member of Tau Beta Pi, an honorary engineering fraternity, and was proud of the sculpture, Indexer II, a gift of his engineering c1ass 1950 to the U of M. Jim enjoyed his career as a mechanical-industrial engineer and was Vice-President of Engineering at Hydreco in Galesburg. As part of his job, Jim traveled extensively, both in the United States and abroad and was known for his ability to locate the best restaurant in town--any town. After retiring, Jim enjoyed a variety of large and small projects: helping build a play structure for his grandson, serving on committees at First Methodist Church, painting woodwork in the Eleanor House family shelter, helping a friend drywall his new studio, and working with the Service Corps of Retired Executives. His excellent memory made him a valued team member in holiday Trivial Pursuit games with family and friends. Jim also enjoyed classical music and loved to listen to his wife's piano playing and to his daughters' choral concerts. In his last decade, Jim learned to cook while caring for his wife during her long illness. He served on several committees of the Bronson Place Residents' Association and enjoyed dressing in costume for plays and Halloween parties. He attended downtown Art Hops with friends, looking for new artists to display their works in the Bronson Place art gallery. Jim successfully lobbied the Oshtemo Township Board for an ordinance requiring stop signs at apartment complex driveway exits. This was a particular point of pride for him, because it made his neighborhood a safer place. Jim was a wonderful brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He always tried to make his corner of the world a better place. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick Street. Interment will be held 11:00 AM Monday at Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park. A Memorial Service will be held 2:00 PM Monday at the First United Methodist Church 212 S. Park Street with Rev. Sandra Elfring officiating. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the University of Michigan College Of Engineering; the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center; The Bronson Place Residents' Assistance Fund, or a charity of your choice. Online condolences and registry available at www.langelands.com .