James W Horgan
July 31, 2022
James W. Horgan, age 82 of Paris, passed away Sunday, July 31, 2022 at Railside Assisted Living Center in Byron Center. He was born February 22, 1940 in Big Rapids the son of William J. and Margaret M. (Tighe) Horgan. Jim graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1958. He married Joanne Ruth Bowman on November 7, 1959 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Big Rapids. Together they made their home and raised their family in the Paris area. Jim served honorably in the Michigan National guard from 1957 to 1963.
Jim worked for Denhams Die Cast in Big Rapids, Voelkers Equipment and Ferris State University prior to beginning until his career at Michigan Consolidated Gas Company. He retired after 35 years of employment at MichCon and then took a job at Sub Surface for over 4 years and a couple other odd jobs. During his retirement years he completed many remodeling projects and was an enthusiastic hobby farmer. Jim was a loyal Detroit Tigers and Lions fan. He was full of interesting stories and hilarious jokes. The most important part of Jim’s life was family, especially his beloved children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his two children, Sheila (Brian) Swartz of Caledonia, Jim (Kim) Horgan of Middleville; son-in-law, Jason Montag of Grand Rapids; grandchildren, Joshua (Lydia) Swartz of Traverse City, Bradley Swartz of Grand Rapids, Brianna (Derek) Eaton of Caledonia, Ashley (Alex) Sackett of Caledonia, Brittany Horgan of Cascade, Mitchell (fiancée Carlie Crank) Horgan of Middleville, Zachary Montag and Ashton Montag both of Grand Rapids; great-grandchildren, Zane, Cameron, Macsen and Penelope Swartz; Parker and Elliott Sackett, Huxton Dodge and Linden Eaton.
Survivors also include his sister, Mary Therese Smith of Big Rapids, sister-in-law, Virginia Horgan of Big Rapids; many nieces, nephews, extended family and his precious pup, Sophie.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Joanne in 2020, daughter, Sheri Jo Horgan Montag in 2016, a sister and brother-in-law, Joanne (Horgan) and Edwin O’Neil; a brother, Denis Horgan, a brother-in-law, Al Smith, a nephew, Alex Smith and a niece Debbie O’Neil.
A Mass of the Resurrection will take place at 11:00 am on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Big Rapids with Father Jegar Fickel officiating. The family will greet friends on Monday, August 8th at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and one hour prior to Mass on Tuesday at the church.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to Gilda’s Club, Grand Rapids, www.gildasclubgr.org.
Share a memory or condolence with the family at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com
Arrangements entrusted to the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids.
Published by Big Rapids News on Aug. 2, 2022.
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