James Leland Knox

James L. Knox, age 59 of West Branch, passed away March 14, 2013 at his home. Mr. Knox had lived in West Branch for the past 19 years, formerly of North Branch. He graduated from North Branch High School in 1971 and served in the U.S. Marine Corp during the Vietnam War. He attended school to become a bus mechanic and opened his own business-Madison Starter. He also was employed by Avon Gear in Rochester Hills. James was a member of the Mio Loyal Riders Chapter and he also enjoyed hunting, fishing, tubing, having cookouts and bonfires with his children and grandchildren, and taking the grandchildren for motorcycle rides. James is survived by his children, Jeni Montney, Jodi (Sammy) Bufford and Jami Knox (Curtis Giddens), his adopted daughters Melissa Bertossi, and Jenni Elliot, grandchildren, Jasmynne Knox, Michaela Montney, Preston Montney, Sydney Bufford, Chloe Bufford, James Hush, Dade Knox, MaKayla Giddens, Curtis Giddens Jr. and Karter Giddens and his great-granddaughter Jenna Nicole Knox. Also surviving is his father Fred Smith, his brothers, Tom Smith and Ken (Wanda) Knox and his sister, Margie (Burnell) Wilson, as well as his club brothers of the Mio Chapter Loyal Riders and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Donald Dean Knox, his mother Majorie Ann Smith, his brother Donald Duane Knox, his grandparents, Estell and Clarence VanConant and his sister-in-law Lori Smith. Visitation at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin on Sunday, March 17, 2013 from 3-9 p.m. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Pastor J. Daniel Stoneback will officiate. Memorial Contributions may be made to the family.