James Neil Innes, 91 of Port Huron, formerly of Deckerville, passed away September 8, 2016. James was born on November 25, 1924 in Bridgehampton Twp., Michigan to James and Gertrude (McLeod) Innes. He graduated from Deckerville High School in 1943, after which he worked on the family farm and at the Dodge Main Plant in Hamtramck during winters. Jim served his country in the Korean War as a Sergeant in the Army Corp of Engineers, building roads, bridges and air strips to support troop movements. After his service, Jim took the civil service exam and began a career with the Michigan Department of Transportation. He rose to supervisor and inspector positions where he worked with employees and contractors to ensure quality standards were met on his job sites.
Jim married Jessie Bowling in 1953. The couple had four children together, and Jim built them a home on the site of the original Innes homestead. In retirement Jim enjoyed traveling, playing cards and socializing. Attending services and events with his church family at McGregor Methodist Church was very important to him. He was known for his sense of humor, his ability to fix almost anything, and the various tools he invented.
Jim is survived by his four children: Marilyn McLeod of Saline, Kathleen (Vino) Guarnieri of Yale, Jim (Monica) Innes of Mason, and Christie (Tom) Panzenhagen of Grosse Pointe; nine grandchildren: Melissa (David) Kolasinski, Sarah Stevens, William Stevens, Hannah Thomson, Amanda Innes, Jennifer Innes, Cecilia Innes, Paul Attard and Anthony Attard; as well as four great grandchildren. Jim is also survived by his brother Donald Innes, two nieces, a nephew and dear friends Norma and Charlie Parent. Jim was preceded in death by his sister and brother in law, Alice and Ken Tarzwell, sister in law Dorothy Innes and his beloved companion Betty Ellicott.
Jim was a man of integrity, a good father and grandfather, known for helping others throughout his life. He will be missed very much by all who knew him.
Visitation will be at the Apsey Funeral Home in Deckerville Sunday September 11, from 3-8 pm. A service celebrating the life of James Neil Innes will be Monday September 12, at 11 am, at the Apsey Funeral home, with Reverend Jerry Griggs officiating. Burial will be in Downing Cemetery
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the McGregor Methodist Church or the Wounded Warrior Project.
Condolences may be sent on line to apseyfuneralhome.net
Cemetery Details Downing Cemetery 3151 Range Line Rd. Deckerville, MI 48427
Loading map Previous Events Visitation SEP 11.
3:00 PM -
8:00 PM (ET) Apsey Funeral Home 3467 Main St. Deckerville, MI 48427
apseyfuneral@gmail.com Loading map Funeral Service SEP 12.
11:00 AM -
11:30 AM (ET) Apsey Funeral Home 3467 Main St. Deckerville, MI 48427
apseyfuneral@gmail.com Loading map
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of James N. Innes, please visit our floral store.