- Date Of Birth: October 12, 1949
- Date Of Death: September 14, 2020
- State: Michigan
James Clarence Moreland died unexpectedly Monday, September 14, 2020 at his home. He was born October 12, 1949 in Kalamazoo, MI a son of the late Maynard L. and Eva R. (Garrison) Moreland.
Jim grew up in the Kalamazoo area. He attended Portage Central where he played football and later graduated from Galesburg High School. Jim joined the Navy in 1968 during which he traveled to many places including France, Italy, Spain, Denmark and many more. He was stationed in Norfolk and Little Creek Virginia where he served his country until he was honorably discharged in 1972. Jim then joined the Navy Reserves until being honorably discharged in 1988.
In October 1974 Jim married Cathy Clark and had three children. They later divorced, after which he raised his three children as a single dad, until his sister in-law Tereasa introduced him to Donna and her three girls. They fell in love and moved to Mendon where they raised their 6 kids, later moving to Portage.
Jim began working at the young age of 11 years old, digging for night crawlers at the Westnedge Golf Club for a penny a worm. He also participated in a work program in high school where he worked at Family Food on Westnedge stocking shelves and occasionally as a cashier. In January 1973 Jim started at Prab, where he began as a fabricator, working hard to later become the head of shipping and receiving. After 35 years he retired from Prab. He went on to dedicate 8 years to the City of Kalamazoo as a Parking Enforcement officer until the fall of 2019 after an accident at work.
Jim was raised in the Catholic community and later in 2008 he gave his heart to Jesus. He truly enjoyed giving his time to his church community and volunteered at many church functions throughout his years at Renovation Church.
Jim was a huge MSU fan and enjoyed attending games. He enjoyed watching all games especially when one of his grandkids was playing. He was very proud to watch his daughter Katrina coach the Vicksburg volleyball program and he was her biggest fan. Although Jim wasn’t very good at it he also enjoyed golf and loved going to Christian concerts with his wife and church friends.
Jim’s most enjoyable times were times spent with his kids and grandkids. Jim was the rock of his family, humble, kind and a man of very few words… but touched the hearts of everyone who knew him.
