Jim Tolfree Orr

Jim Tolfree Orr, age 80, passed away on Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at his home in West Branch, MI with his family by his side. Jim courageously fought illness for over six years. He was born on March 18, 1936 in West Branch. Melvin and Joan (Tolfree) Orr were parents to Jim and his brother Dennis (Judi) who have all preceded in him death. His grandparents, John and Joanna Tolfree donated the land and building for the Tolfree Memorial Hospital. Not only was Jim born in this hospital, it was a life time legacy.

Jim was an avid golfer and has a claim of fame with a hole in one on number 5. Special thanks to the Tuesday Night League and especially his partner Rod Robertson. He was an avid skier at Ogemaw Hills Ski Park, Boyne Mountain, Aspen and Copper Mountain in Colorado. He was also part owner of Ogemaw Hill Ski Park. Skiers were all friends. Jim enjoyed traveling and it became a passion with visits not only to the USA but many foreign countries. He touched many lives both in Michigan and Colorado. He made friends wherever he went. It didn’t matter where he went, he knew someone. He left a wonderful legacy to anyone who touched his life.

Jim had many special interests and commitments. He attended and graduated from West Branch High School in 1954, competed of his Bachelor’s Degree from Alma College in 1958, was a member of the Trinity Episcopal Church and support of two Catholic Wives, Kiwanis Club for 54 years and past president and received the George Hixon award in 1996, Optimist Club member, West Branch Fire Department Volunteer, member of the Long Timber Ranch Hunting Club since 1954, West Branch Chamber of Commerce and received Volunteer of the Year Award in 1993, East Lansing Tourism Association and was president in 1977, Michigan Lodging Tourist Association and was past president from 1979-1980, lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge, served on the West Branch Rose City District School Board, State Savings/National City Bank Board of Directors, Tolfree Memorial Foundation Board of Directors, a member of the West Branch Industrial Committee since 1982, West Branch Country Club Board of Directors where he served as past president, and North Central Michigan Foundation Board of Directors.

Upon graduation, Jim became a very successful sox salesman for Adler. In 1965, he purchased the family business, Tri Terrace Motel. After retirement in 1987, he dabbled in Culligan Soft Water and real estate sales.

Jim married Monica Tetu Wangler in 1964. Their children include, Lynne, Julie (Jerrold) Jenkins, Kim (Sonia), and Bob (Kim). Grandchildren include Katy (Adam) Steinback, Michael, Matthew, and Annemarie Jenkins, Justin Chase, and Jacob Orr.

After Monica’s death, Jim married Grace Scott who survives him. He became a father figure to Greg (Cindy), Kevin (Brenda) Scott and Cindy (Steve) McMillin, and grandfather to Courtney (Steve) Biesiada, Elizabeth, Victoria, Taylor, Thomas Scott, Mitchell and Matthew McMillin. Great grandfather to Katie and Claire Biesiada.

The Orr family wishes to thank and extend our gratitude for all of the love and support that has been provided.

The Memorial Service will be held at the Trinity Episcopal Church in West Branch, MI on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The Rev. Brian Chace will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Trinity Episcopal Church, Tolfree Memorial Foundation, North Central Michigan Foundation Orioles Forever, or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Homes, Inc. Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com