James Erwin “Jim” Pierce

  Born August 24, 1959, died of natural causes June 30, 2013.  He was currently of Holt, MI. Proud father of Shelby, Kelsey, and Blake.  Beloved son, brother, and uncle.  Jim was preceded in death by his father, John, and his sister, Mary.  Survived by his mom, Jane, and nine siblings; John (Tracey), Mike (Wanda), Sharon, Bob (Lori), Pam Bawcum, Joan Dolby, Shelly (DJ) Hannahs, Rich, and Sue.  He also leaves behind nieces and nephews John, Jeff and Jerry Pierce; Meriah and Kori Johnson, Cassie Bawcum, Chase Hannahs, Sydney Dolby, Allie and Matt Pierce; as well as many great-nieces and nephews.

Jim served in the U.S Army for four years immediately after graduating from Holt High School, and was stationed primarily in South Korea and New Jersey.  Following his service he remained an Army reservist and recruiter, while also obtaining his Bachelor of Arts degree from Michigan State University.  He then earned his master’s degree in special education from Spring Arbor University.  Jim was a teacher and administrator in the Holt Public Schools District, where he enjoyed making a positive impact on the lives of many of his students.  Jim will be greatly missed by his family and friends, who not only loved him, but appreciated his tremendous sense of humor.

A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, July 12, 2013, from 3-6 p.m. at the Fellowship Hall of the First Presbyterian Church of Holt. Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel.

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17 Messages to “James Erwin “Jim” Pierce

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Pierce's
July 3, 2013 at 9:08 pm

“I’m Free”

Don’t grieve for me for now I’m free.
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took his hand when I heard him call.
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work, or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I’ve found that peace at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow:
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full I’ve savored much,
Good times, good friends, a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all to brief,
Don’t lenghten it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me,
God wanted me now, he set me free.

Reply
David Foy
July 3, 2013 at 9:53 pm

I will always remember Jim as a joker and a prankster. His jovial nature was contagious and his friendliness was genuine. Goodbye old friend.

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Jill Parks Montoya, Joseph City, AZ
July 3, 2013 at 10:16 pm

To his family you have my deepest sympathy on your great loss. You are in my prayers. Jim could always make you laugh and that is how I will always remember him.

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Krista Besley
July 4, 2013 at 12:52 am

You were a big part of my past Jim. I will always remember you as a good friend! To Jim’s family, I am so so sorry for your loss!

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Tina Campbell Robinson
July 4, 2013 at 11:35 am

I can close my eyes…and hear Jim’s beautiful laughter. Memories forever.

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Don Kill
July 4, 2013 at 12:01 pm

I used to bowl with Jim, at Mason, and offer my condolences to his family and especially his kids.

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DuWayna Downey
July 5, 2013 at 2:27 pm

Dear Sharon I am so very sorry for the loss of your brother Jim. I had seen a posting that Teresa had posted on her Facebook page.
Please know that you and the family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love you, God bless.
DuWayna

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COL Howard Becker
July 5, 2013 at 10:41 pm

It is with regret that I write this Message to the Family and Friends of Jim. May God Grace the Family with Great Loving Memories to give them Comfort at this time of Loss. I shall Pray for my Fallen Bother at Arms. May God Bless and Comfort those most close to JIM.

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Denis, Betsy & Sarah Zietlow
July 6, 2013 at 12:16 am

Our sympathies to all of the family. This news was shocking to read and we remember Jim fondly, always smiling or joking. He will be missed by many.

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Tony Smith
July 7, 2013 at 7:44 pm

One of the truly good guys gone way to soon. I have lots of fond memories of growing up in Holt with Jim and the rest of the pierce clan.
Prayers for all of you as you grieve the loss of Jim.

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Stacie Golbeck Niedzwiecki
July 7, 2013 at 7:59 pm

Dear Joan and family,

I am so sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. Although I moved away from Holt many years ago, I still remember our childhood and your family like yesterday. May your wonderful memories of Jim bring you comfort during this difficult time. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

With sympathy,
Stacie

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Todd Augenstein and Mandy (McLellan) Augenstein
July 8, 2013 at 10:15 am

Dear Pierce Family,

Thoughts and prayers are coming your way. We both remember Jim and the whole family from our young days in Holt on Chestnut St. Todd remembers fondly playing baseball on the four corners by the house. I remember always being welcome when visiting with Pam while at my grandparents, the Alfs. There was always love and laughs shared in your household.

God Bless,

Todd and Mandy Augenstein

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Jane (Ankney) Bauer
July 11, 2013 at 8:50 am

We have lost a wonderful funny man. I will never forget Jim’s antics and comedy relief in high school. My sympathies to his familiy.

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Deb (Barnhart) Oliver
July 11, 2013 at 11:24 am

While talking to my cousin, Joel Casler, last night I was told of Jim’s passing. While I did go to school with some of the Pierce clan, I got to know Jim while working at HPS. I am going to celebrate with you Jim’s life, especially his sense of humor, his warmth, his kindness, and his ability to make a friend of everyone. I know you will miss him so much and for your loss I am very sorry.

May God’s peace and comfort be with Jim’s family and friends,
Deb Oliver

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COL Howard Becker
July 12, 2013 at 10:48 am

May God Grace the Family and Friends of Jim with God’s Great Love and Great Memories to Give us all Comfort at this time of loss.

Love and Prayer Howard and Colleen Becker

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Brian J Bonney
July 12, 2013 at 11:02 am

I am blessed to have known such a wonder person, friend, mentor, and fellow Red Leg in 119th Field Artillery. I joined the unit in 1987. This is when Jim began making an impression on this young man. He touched thousands of lives during his military career and his teaching profession. He helped me during some of the most difficult times in my life. I have never heard an ill word spoken about the man. You can’t find a better example in today’s world of someone to shape your life after. He was key in keeping the 119th Field Artillery Association alive for several years. His mother would provide the meal for the annual meeting. I currently serve on the Board of the 119th Field Artillery Association. I am going to present to the Board some way of memorializing Jim. He deserves the recognition he never sought. He will be part of the organization as long as it exists. Jim continues to live on through all the lives he touched in his short time here on Earth. I can not thank God enough for bringing this man into my life.

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Pete Smith
July 12, 2013 at 4:41 pm

Jim was an inspiration to me as I began following my dream of becoming a teacher. I worked with him at the 9th grade campus and he always had the time to talk with me and answer my questions and give me his advice. His positive spirit and deep concern for his students lives on in me! God bless his family and friends who are feeling the pain of his passing much too early.

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