- Date Of Death: April 27, 2017
- State: Michigan
Gladstone, MI
James A. “Jim” Rockwell, 91, of 118 Kenneally Blvd, Gladstone, passed away Thursday afternoon April 27, 2017 at Christian Park Health Care Center in Escanaba.
Jim was born September 13, 1925 in Gladstone, the son of William and Amelia Smith. Following the death of Amelia shortly after his birth, Jim was adopted by Frank and Ada Rockwell of Gaylord, MI. Following graduation from Gaylord High School, Jim served his country in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1945. Upon his honorable discharge, Jim was awarded the American Theater Campaign Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Ribbon and Meritorious Unit Award.
Jim continued his education at Wayne State University earning a bachelors Degree in Mortuary Science. Living in Detroit, he had his own TV and Radio Show in which he covered music artists appearing in the city. His favorites were the great jazz artists of the time. Jim and Annie later moved to Texas to be near Annie’s family. While living in Texas, he did photo work for Time and Newsweek magazines.
Thirty years ago, Jim came to Gladstone, and found his birth family. Because of difficulty he had finding his family, Jim worked extensively in the State of Texas to see that adoption laws were changed to help adopted children find their families.
Jim loved Big Band and Jazz music. He was thrilled when invited to be a member of the Remnants Barbershop Chorus.
Jim is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews of the Casey, Kalishek, and Sinclair families. Also missing Jim will be special friends Mark Tall and Tom Butch. Also, a very special group of people. Lori Lauscher, who coordinated his at-home care, and those who filled round-the-clock hours with love and caring: Heidi Baldovski, Kylie Kalishek, Lindsey Rosunski, and Emily Sherk. Each of them went above and beyond.
In addition to his wife Annie, Jim was preceded in death by his birth parents William and Amelia Smith, his adopted parents, Frank and Ada Rockwell. Brothers: Joseph LeMay, William, Paul, Francis and Henry Smith. Sisters; Alma Kehlor, Rose Casey, Selina Zepezauer, Louise Hogan, Alvina Sinclair, Georgina “Toots” Kalishek, Betty Simpson and Dottie Hogan.
