James Harold Seals

     James Harold "Jim" Seals, age 91, of Ashley, MI, passed away Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at The Laurels of Carson City.

     Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, MI at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 13, 2024, with Pastor Phil Maxwell officiating.  Burial will take place at North Star Cemetery, North Star, MI. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 12, 2024 from 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, MI with a Masonic Service held at 7:30 P.M.  Visitation will also be held on Saturday from 12:00 P.M. until the time of the service.

     Jim was born in Sylvia, Tennessee on September 20, 1932, the son of Howard and Helen (Mathis) Seals. Jim attended Dickson High School in Tennessee. He graduated from Michigan State Normal College (Eastern Michigan University) and obtained his master’s degree from Michigan State University. Jim married Ruth Shirley on December 28, 1955, in Sault Ste. Marie, MI.  They were blessed with 61 years of marriage, prior to her passing on April 21, 2017.

     Jim started out as a teacher and guidance counselor at Cass City High School from 1954 until 1966, he went on to become principal at Union City High School from 1966 until 1972. Jim was the Ashley Public Schools Superintendent for 19 years and retired in 1991. Jim was an avid fisherman and hunter. He spent many years as a little league coach, wrestling, basketball and football official. He loved supporting his grandchildren in sports and school activities.

     He was a member of the Van Leer Tennessee Masonic Lodge and a 32nd Degree Mason. He was also a member of the Ashley Lions Club, a past board member of the Gratiot County Parks and Rec. and the Gratiot County Community Foundation. Jim was also a former member of the Cass City Gavel Club and the Branch County Selective Service Board. He was a member of Alma Presbyterian Church Alma, MI.

     He is survived by his children: Dr. James and Sandy Seals of Grayling, MI; Dr. Robert and Nancy Seals of Carson City, MI; Susan and Wes DeJong of Hessel, MI; his sister Barbara and Randal Lemastus of Dickson, TN; grandchildren: Wade and Krista Seals, Jay and Alice Seals, Sarah and Patrick Doherty, Ashley Seals, Adam Seals, Allison Seals, and great-grandchildren: Evan, Maggie and Declan Doherty and Vivian and Lincoln Seals.  He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Ruth, grandson Wesley DeJong, great-grandson Liam Doherty.

     Memorials may be made to the James & Ruth Seals Scholarship fund at Alma College. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.