- Date Of Birth: May 24, 1929
- Date Of Death: January 10, 2017
- State: Michigan
James H. Mellinger passed away peacefully on January 10, 2017. Born on May 24, 1929, to William and Pauline (Rushmore) Mellinger in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Jim was a natural athlete and excelled in sports. He graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School. Upon graduation, he signed with the St. Louis Cardinals. Jim also played for The New York Yankees, The St. Louis Browns, The Baltimore Orioles and The Calgary Stampede.
On November 28, 1949, Jim married his long-time love, Dorothea Robart. Shortly afterwards, he was inducted into The U.S. Army, 3rd Armored Division. Jim was asked to portray Babe Ruth in a movie, which he turned down. That role was ultimately played by William Bendix.
Upon discharge from The Army, Jim returned to Kalamazoo where he and Dorothea settled and raised their two sons, Todd and Randy.
Jim and Dorothea would run several successful businesses, including owning The 1st Store in The Portage Plaza. They also managed several apartments and condominiums. Jim also sat on The Board of Directors at Nazareth College.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife Dorothea, his brother Rush, daughter-in-law Terri, and his parents.
Jim is survived by his two sons: Todd (Susan) Mellinger of Suttons Bay, MI and Randy (Caprice) Mellinger of Largo, FL; grandchildren: Cameron Mellinger of Kalamazoo, Jacob (Autumn) Mellinger of Otsego, and Brianna (Scott) Boley of Kalamazoo; great-grandchildren Ryder Boley and Maya Mellinger of Otsego.
