James Anegon

James (“Jim” or “Jimmy”) Christ Anegon of Saginaw, 97, passed away on June 24, 2025, at Optalis Health and Rehab St. Francis in Saginaw.  Jim was born on November 17, 1927, in Iron Mountain, Michigan to the late Christ and Mary Anegon.  He attended schools in Iron Mountain, graduating from Iron Mountain High School.

Jim served in the U.S. Navy with much of his time served on a ship in China.  He received an honorable discharge from the Navy in November of 1946 and returned to Iron Mountain. In 1953, Jim moved to Saginaw where his parents and two of his three sisters had moved the year prior.  Shortly thereafter he began a long career at Michigan Bell Telephone.

On January 28, 1956, Jim married Shirley A. Klonoski and they were married 64 years until her passing in March of 2020.  During their marriage Jim and Shirley were nearly inseparable. They made their home in Saginaw and Bridgeport Township until moving in 1987 to the AuGres area on the shores of Lake Huron. During their time in AuGres, Jim retired on December 31, 1988, after approximately 35 years with Michigan Bell.

In 2000, Jim and Shirley moved briefly to Alger and then returned to Thomas Township in Saginaw County. 

During his life, Jim enjoyed bowling, playing cards and golf.  In fact, golf was a lifetime sport for Jim as he continued playing golf until the age of 94. He also enjoyed traveling with Shirley and spending time with family and friends, including many lifetime friends he worked with during his tenure at Michigan Bell.

Jim had a very long and healthy retirement. He often helped his son Tim as a fill in bartender at Smokey's Bar in Carollton. He liked driving around town in his car, which he was able to do until age 96. He was often the life of the party at gatherings with family and friends (sometimes playing the harmonica), and always enjoyed telling or hearing a good joke or anecdote.

In addition to his wife Shirley, three infant daughters, one son, Timothy M. Anegon and one sister, Marina LaBlance, predeceased Jim. Survivors include his son, Anthony C. (Mary Kay) Anegon of Lewiston, Idaho; daughter, Christine (Dean) Compton of Saginaw; daughter-in-law, Coleen Anegon of Saginaw; sister, Electra Tarachas of Saginaw; and sister, Julia Cini of Iron Mountain, Michigan.  Jim is also survived by seven grandchildren, Sarah Crosby, Matthew Compton, Morgan Compton, Courtney Anegon, Nicole Bailey, Edward Anegon, Angela Anegon and nine great-grandchildren.

The family would like to especially thank the staff at St. Optalis Health and Rehab St. Francis for the care Jim received while a resident there up until the time of his passing.

MEMORIALS: The family suggest memorial gifts be made to the American Red Cross or a food bank of your choice.

A graveside service and celebration of the lives of both Jim and Shirley will be announced and held at a later date.