James R. Nelander

James R. Nelander, age 64, passed away Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at Bortz Health Care in Rose City, Michigan. Jim lived in West Branch since 2003, formerly of Berkley, Michigan. Jim graduated from Kimball High School in Royal Oak in 1960 and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at GMI (Kettering University). Jim began 42 years of service with General Motors as a reliability engineer at Cadillac Motor Car Division and retired as GM's Executive Director of the Field Performance Analysis Group in 2003. James will be remembered for his intelligence, sharp wit and commanding presence. Surviving family members include Jim's wife Joyce of West Branch whom he married on August 27, 1966. Also surviving is his daughter Stacia (Jeff) Rogers of West Branch, son Chris (Deb) Nelander of West Bloomfield, Michigan and 4 grandchildren Olivia, James, Megan and Sophia. Preceding Jim in death were his parents Paul and Eleanor Nelander. Visitation at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will be held on Friday, July 27, 2007 from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. There will be a scripture service at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Nelander will lie in state at St. Joseph Catholic Church in West Branch on Saturday, July 28, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The funeral Mass will commence at 11:00 a.m. Contributions may be made to the Ogemaw County Humane Society, St. Joseph School Endowment Fund or Heartland Hospice.