JAMES E. CLAUS, SR.

James E. Claus, Sr., 76, of Manchester,  passed away February 20, 2008.  James was born November 4, 1931, in Franklin Township, Michigan, the son of Gordon Edgar and Leta  (Wilson) Claus.  On June 16, 1951, he married Lois Kanavel in Manchester Twp.   

He was a 1949 graduate of Clinton High School.  James served his country in the Adrian Army National Guard and the U. S. Air Force during the Korean War.  He retired from the Tecumseh Products in 1986 after 37 years of service.   Upon retirement James started a second career as a professional photographer.  He was an avid golfer with many local league affiliations.  His hobbies included hunting,  fishing and traveling extensively throughout the United States.  James was a member of the Manchester Conservation Club.

Besides his wife, Lois, James is survived by his children, Deborah (Ken) of Tipton, James Jr. of Kalamazoo, Aleta of Gregory and Thomas (Kim) of Jonesville; 12 grandchildren, Christy, Tim, Jimmy, Melodie, Brad, Nicholas, Billy, Kristen, Eric, Crystal, Danny and Becki; and nine great-grandchildren, Kristen, Morgan, Kimber, Alex, Molly, Clarke, Pryor, Shaun and Cooper. He was preceded in death by his parents and a grandson.

A memorial service was held Monday, February 25, 2008, at the J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, Tecumseh with family officiating.  Military honors were performed following the service by the Tecumseh American Legion Post #34 and Tecumseh VFW Post #4187.   

Condolences to the family may be made at www.pursefuneralhome.com