James Dale Treece

Passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 11, 2024, after a short illness, surrounded by family. Jim was born on July 9, 1935, to the late Dale and Mary Katheryn (Hammon) Treece, in Otsego, Michigan. Early in his life, James had fond memories of growing up in Otsego, riding along on his father’s milk collection route. He spent many summers on his grandparents’ farm in Martin, Michigan. Jim also enjoyed collecting maple syrup, and playing baseball, before graduating from Otsego High School in 1953. After graduating from high school, Jim attended Western Michigan University before becoming an instructor with Job Corps. He then moved on to being a salesman with Indusco Supply Company. This led him to his dream job as an instructor of Custodial Services at State Technical Institute in Plainwell, Michigan.

Jim met the love of his wife, Joyce, on a blind date. After a short courtship they were married on August 20, 1960, and spent over 60 loving years together until Joyce’s passing in 2022. Jim and Joyce enjoyed a wonderful life together, raising three daughters in the Westnedge Hill neighborhood. In his free time, Jim was a woodworker. He would often make clocks, tables, and really any item his children or grandchildren needed. He also enjoyed bowling, fishing, golf, and joking around with friends and family. Jim was an active member in First United Methodist Church, participating in Astronauts group, youth basketball, and making sloppy joes for New Years Fest. In retirement, Jim and Joyce loved to travel but what they loved most, was spending time with their grandchildren and family.

Jim is survived by his three loving daughters, Andrea (Jim McKinney) Johnson, Penny (Dave) Russel, Leslie (John Gitschlag) Treece; grandchildren, Jared Russel, Ian Russel, Jack Gitschlag, Mary Gitschlag; and brother, Max Treece, of San Diego, California.

Preceding Jim in passing is his wife, Joyce (Marrow) Treece; brother, Rex Treece, of South Carolina; and parents, Dale and Mary Katheryn Treece, of Otsego, Michigan.

A Memorial Service will take place in honor of Jims’ life on Saturday, August 10, 2024, 10:00 am, at First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S Park St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Guests are invited to stay for a light reception following the Memorial Service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, or Rose Arbor Hospice, 5473 Croyden Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. To view Jims’ personalized guestbook, please visit, https://www.langelands.com