James Henry Toy
James Henry Toy died on July 14, 2024, at his home in Delta Township surrounded by family. He was born in Lansing, Michigan on August 24, 1949, to the late Robert and Mary (Blanks) Toy. He spent his early years living on Jefferson Street (now Oakland Ave.) in Lansing and attending neighborhood schools. Jim graduated from J.W. Sexton High in 1967.
Jim began working for the State of Michigan in 1967 and attended Lansing Community College; he worked on early data systems with punch cards and magnetic tapes for the Treasury Department and then spent a career as a systems analyst for the Department of Management and Budget.
He married his high school sweetheart, Linda Stephens, in 1970. Jim and Linda raised their family in the home they purchased in 1975 where he loved to garden and spend time in the yard. He grew vegetables, flowers, fruit trees and helped his children raise rabbits, ducks, and a few ornery chickens. He sacrificed larger pieces of his yard to build an ice rink and a small above ground pool for summer months.
Jim and Linda enjoyed camping with their young family, accompanying them to scout camps, cheering them on in sports, and attending their music programs in Grand Ledge Schools. Jim and Linda continued camping in an Airstream trailer, which they kept at Whispering Surf Campground in Pentwater, Michigan for twenty-five summers.
When Jim retired at age fifty-three, he began driving charter buses for Dean Trailways. This job quickly became a joy of his retirement; it fulfilled his friendly, outgoing, and adventurous spirit. One of the highlights of this time was driving for the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, Canada.
Jim was proud to put all three of his children through college. He fostered a culture of life-long learning and curiosity. He enjoyed visiting his children around the country, and the world, as they each began their teaching careers and started their own families. Jim was able to spend time with all five of his grandchildren and took delight in participating in their lives.
In his later retirement, Jim spent time in the community of Westwind in Dunedin, Florida and enjoyed the company of residents and snowbirds. He made time for card games, wood-carving, hosting community “grills,” and serving the community. Jim and Linda continued to travel, including a trip to Cornwall England where he met family and visited his grandfather’s birthplace.
Jim is survived by his wife of 54 years Linda Marlyn (Stephens) Toy; his three children Stephen and Emily (Conley) Toy of Royal Oak, Michigan; Christine (Toy) and Phillip Spilker of Cairo, Egypt; Dana (Toy) and Brian Dieterle of Athens, Ohio; grandchildren Esther and Marlyn Toy, Keeva and Dillon Spilker, and Henry Dieterle; his siblings, Charles and Mary Ellen Toy, Martha Toy, and David Toy; his brothers- and sisters-in-law Gary and Barb, Dan and Kim, Jane and Dennis, John and Stephanie, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and their children. He will be greatly missed by all.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 19, 2024, at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, 325 W. Washtenaw Street, Lansing, Michigan, with interment to follow in Hillside Cemetery. His family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Thursday, and one hour prior to the funeral service on Friday. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to your local food bank.
24 Messages to “James Henry Toy”
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Barbara and Virginia
July 15, 2024 at 5:35 pmOur deepest condolences to the Family with Love and Prayers being sent your way.
Carol and Gerry Marier
July 15, 2024 at 7:00 pmGerry and I are only two of the many lives that Jim touched during his life. We are deeply saddened by your loss.
Gerry and Carol Marier
Woodstock, Ontario
Elizabeth (Matt, Will, and Luke)
July 16, 2024 at 12:02 amMissing Uncle Jim so much already. We love you both!
Tom & Taffie Majdeski
July 16, 2024 at 1:59 amWe were so blessed to have Jim’s friendship. I loved having him call bingo Up at camp, with his complicated games and telling us “don’t clear your boards”. He was fun and thoughtful. He was so patient with the kiddos. I loved our talks and discussions. He was always sporting a smile and made you feel happy. I’ll miss breakfasts at the VFW or Pink Elephant or sitting on the deck. He was such a great guy. He will be missed and remembered with much love.
Hugs and prayers to Linda and kids and all of your family sending lots of love
Ellen Leighliter
July 16, 2024 at 7:21 amLosing someone we love is never easy, but we can take comfort in knowing that Jimmy is now at peace and in the arms of our Lord. Although his time on this earth was short, he left a lasting impact on all of us and his memory will continue to inspire us to live our lives with love, kindness, and grace. Jimmy, you may be gone, but you will never be forgotten. Thank you for being such an incredible person and leaving us with so many beautiful memories to cherish.
Linda we are sending love and prayers for you and your family. We are here for whatever you need. Love you
Kevin Ellen Mackenzie Colton and Madison Leighliter ?
Ellen Leighliter
July 16, 2024 at 7:22 amLosing someone we love is never easy, but we can take comfort in knowing that Jimmy is now at peace and in the arms of our Lord. Although his time on this earth was short, he left a lasting impact on all of us and his memory will continue to inspire us to live our lives with love, kindness, and grace. Jimmy, you may be gone, but you will never be forgotten. Thank you for being such an incredible person and leaving us with so many beautiful memories to cherish.
Linda we are sending love and prayers for you and your family. We are here for whatever you need. Love you
Kevin Ellen Mackenzie Colton and Madison Leighliter
Steve and Darla Conley
July 16, 2024 at 9:54 amHolding you and yours close in our hearts during this difficult time. We are grateful to be part of your extended family. Rest in peace.
Martha Toy
July 16, 2024 at 11:58 amHey Family,
I just want you to know how much I love and admire you all.
Jim and I had healed a relationship a few months ago. I feel this was his blessing to me before he passed on.
I am open to whatever you all need in the future
Love all the Toy Clan with all my heart..
Martha, Sister, Aunt, Great Aunt
Sue and Phil Rock
July 17, 2024 at 4:53 amI am very sorry about the loss of your husband, father, family member, friend. Seems we must have started working at Treasury the same year and we were involved with Grand Ledge schools at the same time, too. Jim was always full of joy in every memory that I can conjure up. Such a wonderful person to know. Glad I got to speak with him one last time at Dan’s funeral this year.
Linda Merrifield
July 17, 2024 at 7:13 amLinda and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Hugs and prayers for you all.
Rick and Linda Merrifield
Katie Meyers
July 17, 2024 at 7:15 amUncle Jim was special. Even when I was small, he always made me feel like everything I was up to was interesting and important. He treated my sons the same way, always wanting to hear what was happening. He loved to banter, to tease, to make everyone laugh. He was bright, funny, loud, and could bring levity to the heavy times. We will all miss him dearly. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Katie, Mark, Mark Jr, Bradley, & Derek Meyers
Meghan Gjone
July 17, 2024 at 8:35 amSending our deepest condolences to the Toys. We did not have the honor of meeting this amazing man, but from reading this we can see all the beautiful ways he lives on in Christine from gardens, grills, card games and campers… and mostly a deep love and commitment to community and family. Sending big love to you all as you celebrate the life of your father, Jim. Love, Meghan, Ken, Jack and Simon
Faye Foxll White-Shine
July 17, 2024 at 9:11 amSincerest thoughts & condolences extended to Linda and the Toy family.
Ron H.
July 17, 2024 at 11:44 amSorry about Jim. Sorry I never met him. Thoughts are with you and your family.
Ron Pylman
July 17, 2024 at 4:11 pmTruly one of the nicest gentleman I’ve met. The world is better place for his walking through it. When my time is up, I’ll bring the cribbage board.
David & Bev Swanson
July 17, 2024 at 5:50 pmBev and I have a long and special relationship with Jim and Linda. I went to Sexton HS with both Jim and Linda. Linda was the person who introduced me to Bev while at MSU. We spent many important moments together including the birth and tending of children, tailgating at MSU Football games, staying at our condo in Florida and later at Jim and Linda’s place in Dunedin, Florida. Jim was always up to doing something, planting, fishing, taking care of kids, never sitting still. Will will never forget how important Jim was in our lives. Dave and Bev Swanson
Mark & Brenda Traill
July 17, 2024 at 6:07 pmI Pam truly sorry for your loss. Jim was a kind hearted and joyous soul. Our love and prayers for the family.
Peace be with you.
Surae Eaton Sangster
July 17, 2024 at 6:52 pmMy sincere condolence to you Linda. Jim was so full of life and fun to be around. It seems like 1967 was just yesterday.
Peace & Blessings to you and the family
Ron and Donna Landis
July 17, 2024 at 10:50 pmSo sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a good friend and coworker. Our condolences to Linda and the family.
Jane Hathaway
July 18, 2024 at 6:54 pmLinda and family
The world lost another good one. It was such a pleasure to call you friends during the 5 years we had the camp. It’s what we miss the most. We always looked forward to the red cadi stopping on its way in and the two of you with the biggest smiles, glad to be at your happy place. We enjoyed all the conversations, light and deep and loved when Jim would call bingo! We will be thinking of you in the upcoming weeks, take your time, take a breath, this change will take time to heal. Montana is a beautiful place to clear your mind and soul.
Hugs
Jane & Andy Hathaway
Jeff Dieterle
July 18, 2024 at 7:00 pmMy sincere condolences to Linda and the Toy family. It truely was a pleasure to meet Jim. He brought many smiles to many people. Love, prayers and hugs your way!
Heike Beck
July 21, 2024 at 10:38 amDear Toy family,
I’m so sorry about your loss and I know that Jim will be greatly missed by all of you. I was so lucky when I came to your family and I have only the best memories of Jim. He was such a friendly and kind person and he always had a smile on his face. A true American dad for the time I was able to spend with your family. My parents send their condolences, too.
A lot of love from Germany!
Heike
Cheryl Brown
July 22, 2024 at 8:56 pmCondolences to you Linda and your family. I pray God comfort you and provide you with peace. Class of 1967 forever.
Eddie and Maria Collins
July 23, 2024 at 10:39 pmWe love you Linda and Jim. We will miss you Jim. Love and prayers Linda.