Services: Saturday, October 24, 2 p.m. (Messinger home in Jim's orchard)

Visitation: Friday, October 23, 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. (Clark Family Funeral Chapel)

James Lee Messinger, 64, of Weidman passed away on Monday, October 19, 2009 at his home with family by his side, after a long courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

A celebration of his life will be held outdoors on Saturday, October 24th at the Messinger home in Jim’s orchard at 2 p.m. The family will receive friends at the Clark Family Funeral Chapel on Friday, October 23rd from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or the Nature Conservancy. Envelopes will be available at the funeral chapel.

Jim was born on September 25, 1945 in Allegan, Michigan the son of Edward and Dorothy (Leverton) Messinger. He married Annette Schreiber on February 3, 1967 in Coloma, Michigan. Jim worked as a painter for Percha Paint. He was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and watching wildlife. He loved nature’s trees, especially his orchard. He cared deeply about preserving the earth and had a deep passion for sharing his knowledge of nature with those who sought it.

Jim is survived by his wife, best friend and true love, Anne Messinger of Weidman; brother, Ken (Cherie) Messinger of Benton Harbor; mother-in-law, Harriet Beckner of Knoxville, TN; brothers-in-law, Edward (Shirley) Schreiber of Buchanan, MI; Wesley (Cheri) Schreiber of Coloma; Dennis (Connie) Schreiber of Columbus, OH; Keith (Debbie) Schreiber and Mark (Lisa) Schreiber both of Coloma; sisters-in-law, Connie Schreiber of Knoxville, TN; Dorothy Messinger of Watervliet; many nieces and nephews and his adopted families in the Central Michigan area.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Ed Messinger and brother-in-law, Danny Schreiber.

Memorials: National Multiple Sclerosis Society or the Nature Conservancy

Cemetery: Cemetery Not Applicable (Map)

Location: Clark Funeral Chapel (Map)

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