James Dean

James Dean

October 03, 1944 - July 20, 2024

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Obituary

Dean, James “Jim” A.

Saginaw, Michigan

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on July 20, 2024. He was 79 years old. James (Jim) Dean was born on October 3, 1944, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Raymond and Magdalen (Holzhofer) Dean. He met Cynthia Cady in 1964 on a blind date and picked her up in his ‘64 light blue GTO. They were married on August 26, 1967, in Lansing,

Michigan. Jim attended Ss. Peter & Paul High School and then Arthur Hill High School, graduating in 1962. He proudly served his country in the United States Army Reserve for six years. Jim was employed by General Motors Grey Iron Foundry as a Pattern Maker, retiring in July of 2000 after 37 years of service. He resided in Frankenmuth for 27 years prior to retirement where he raised his family and was known for his meticulous lawn and landscaping. He will be remembered for always loving and supporting his family and cherishing his grandchildren. Jim loved classic cars, camping and living at Houghton Lake for more than 20 years after retirement. It was there that he felt much peace and joy. He was a gifted wood worker and proudly built many legacy furniture pieces that will be enjoyed by his family for many years to come. Jim also enjoyed wintering in Florida after retirement and made many special friends on their journeys.

Surviving are his wife, Cynthia “Cindy” Dean; two daughters, Leslee Daenzer and Lori (Jason) Zacharko; grandchildren, Ashlee (Jake) Robinson, Ethan Daenzer, Jayce, Luke, Nikolas and Isabella Zacharko; great-grandson, Callum Robinson; one sister, Nancy Holland; nieces, nephews, and many extended family and dear friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, several aunts and uncles, as well as his two brothers-in-law.

The family would like to thank Compassus Hospice of Saginaw for their compassionate care in the last year and a half of his life.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will take place at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, August 11, 2024 at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Road (off State). Rev. Fr. Steve M. Gavit will officiate. Military Honors will be conducted under the auspices of the United States Army following the service.

VISITATION: Family and friends will gather at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Sunday, August 11, 2024 from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.

MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Compassus Hospice of Saginaw.

Deisler Funeral Home is honored to serve the Dean family. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.

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Ronald C Miller
Other •
Jim and I worked together at GM, in the patternshop, he was a lot of fun to be around. We both served our apprenticeships together. He will be missed, wish his family my condolences, he was a super guy. Dr. Ronald C MillerDO FAOCD
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A Memorial Tree was planted for James Dean
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Deisler Funeral Home
LD
Linda & Larry Frey planted a tree in memory of James Dean
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We are planting this tree in honor of Jim and hope that it will be taken care of as well as Jim always took care of his trees and yard. Love you Jim.
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Linda Frey
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We are sorry for your loss, we will miss Jim terribly. He was the best friend and neighbor anyone could ever have. We have enjoyed all the trips we have traveled together with Jim & Cindy, snowmobiling and boating on Houghton Lake. He was always my go to person for electronics. We have had so many good times with them as well as all the family. We have lots of memories to remember him by. Condolences to all of Jim's family from Linda & Larry Frey. We love all of you.
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Brian and Brian Bundy
Other •
Our thoughts and prayers are with Cindy, their children, grandchildren, other family members and friends. Jim was a great guy. He was a great conversationalist and had a great sense of humor. We will miss Jim here on earth but look forward to seeing him in our heavenly home.
LF
Linda & Larry Frey
Other •
Q: How would you describe James to someone who had never met them? A: I remember when we were snowmobiling with Jim & Cindy and stopped for gas before unloading machines. Larry thought I paid for gas inside and I thought he paid outside and we drove off to the parking lot where we were going to unload. The gas station attendant asked Jim if he knew who we were and that we had driven off without paying for the gas. Jim said yes he did and the great guy that he was he paid for our gas. We have had many laughs over this but Jim was such a great friend.

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