James L. Bluck, Sr.

BLUCK, JAMES LEE, SR.
Retired Michigan State Trooper

On January 19, 2021, Jim Bluck left this life surrounded by the love of his family as he was welcomed into the loving presence of his Lord and Savior.

Tall of stature and few of words, Jim was a model of the strong, silent type. They say "still waters run deep," and this was true of Jim who did deeply love his family and friends, and held a great desire to protect what he loved. This kind, gentle man would do anything for anyone. He was your champion and source of support in times of need. You could count on him to have your back in big things and small, including reliably letting you know when it was time to adjust your clocks for daylight savings time. Always nicely dressed and not a hair out of place, this handsome man never missed a special holiday or event with his family.

As a dedicated sports fan, Jim loved watching his favorite teams and players from the comfort of his favorite living room chair or the excitement of stands. As a spectator, he offered his sideline support to whoever he was cheering on at the moment, but he reserved his biggest cheers for when he was watching his kids and grandkids on the field, fairway, court or ice. Jim was an all season outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, sailing or just working outside in his vegetable garden. However, being in and near the sun, sand, water and cooking were his favorite pastimes, especially when he could share it with family or friends.

Jim was born to Ernest and Viola Bluck on October 14, 1941 in Alpena, Michigan. He attended Alpena High School where he was on the bowling team and played varsity basketball before graduating in 1959. Jim faithfully served his country in the Michigan National Guard from 1960 to 1968, where he served as Tank Commander and received the distinction of Sharpshooter before leaving the service.

In his early career, Jim worked as a manager of Kroger's grocery store and at Fletcher Paper Company in Alpena until 1969. In 1969, he entered the State Police Academy in Lansing, Michigan where he received his diploma in law enforcement. He served as a State Trooper at the Brighton post in southern Michigan and then in East Tawas, Michigan where he lived with his family until his honorable retirement in 1998. During Jim's tenure with the State Police, he received multiple citations for Life Saving and Heroic Actions in the line of duty.

Jim was very active with the Elks Club of Tawas and served as Exalted Ruler during his time there. Throughout his life he had memberships at several country clubs, served as a coach for little league teams, and volunteered as an assistant golf coach for a period of time at Traverse City Christian School.

Shortly after retirement, Jim moved to Traverse City to be near family, where he lived until just recently after marrying Patti VanderBeek Bluck of Portage, Michigan. During his time in Traverse City, he enjoyed attending church and participating in outings with family at the cottage or the many lakes and beaches in the area. His favorite retirement activities were fishing and golfing whenever and wherever he could. He especially treasured the time he spent during the winters on the ocean in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Passing before him were his parents and brother, Fred (Elaine) Bluck. Surviving is his wife Patti Bluck, a daughter, Kim (Jeff) Kowalski, three sons, James (April) Bluck, Dr. Scott Bluck, Jason (Caroline) Bluck, two step daughters, Amalia (Jason) Julien, Kristina (Joe) Famolaro, a brother, Thomas (Joan) Bluck, grandchildren Jami (Kenny) Cooke, Dr. Christopher Kowalski, Mikaela (Garth) Bogart, Emily Bluck, Anna Bluck and Matthew Bluck, great grandchildren Charlotte, Audrey and Henry Cooke, step-grandchildren Sara, Bella, Mia, Lila, Anthony, Sean, Maxwell, Sophia, Eden and Eliana.

Jim will be deeply missed by his family and friends, and will forever be in our hearts. A celebration of life will take place on February 5, 2021 at 11:00am, for the immediate family. Jim will be laid to rest at Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Battle Creek, MI and be honored by the U.S. Army and the Michigan State Police. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or a charity of choice. Please visit Jim's personalized web page to view the service with the zoom link provided, sign his online guest book and leave a message or condolence for his family at: https://www.langelands.com

James Bluck Zoom Memorial Service

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