James Dalton Potier, son of Nestor (1896-1977) and Edna Fern "Fern" (Lawcock) (1901-1984) Potier, was born 16 December 1924 Eldorado, Saline County, Illinois. He graduated from Okemos High School in 1943.
James married his high school sweetheart Alice Marie Weber, 1 June 1946, Perry, Shiawassee County, Michigan. Alice was a 1945 Okemos High School graduate. James, a World War II Army veteran, attended and graduated from Michigan State University. He went on to teach Agriculture and Biology in the Perry School System. Later he served as Principle of Perry High School.
James died 26 August 2006, Ingham County, Michigan. Alice, born 19 October 1927, died 25 March 2008, Shiawassee County. They were interred under one headstone Glendale Cemetery, Okemos.
Lansing State Journal (Lansing, Michigan) Sunday 27 August 2006
JAMES POTIER
PERRY, MI
Age 81, passed away August 26, 2006 at Hospice House of Lansing. James was born December 16, 1924, in Eldorado, Illinois, son of Nestor and Fern (Lawcock) Potier. He graduated from Okemos High School and worked for J. C. Penney Co. until going into the U.S. army. He did basic training at Camp Fannin, Texas and went to many specialist schools in the U.S. He served several months in the Philippine Islands. On discharge from the service, after World War II, he married his High School sweetheart, Alice Marie Weber, on June 19 1946. They have celebrated 60 years together. Together they raised two beautiful children, Penny Marsh and Paul Potier. James farmed for many years and then entered Michigan State University. He received a B.S. and Master's degree in Vocational Agriculture. Later in his career he earned an Educational Specialist degree. He taught Vocational Agriculture and Biology-Science at Perry High School. James spent several years as Perry High School Principal. His years of teaching Vocational Agriculture and working with FFA members were very happy and rewarding. As an FFA Advisor he received many rewards, including Honorary State and American Farmer Degrees. Many successful and fun filled banquets were held. At these banquets students received awards and recognition for their work and talents. James was a member of the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel (MARSP), Shiawassee AG, Council and the Farm Bureau. He was a member of the Perry United Methodist Church for more than sixty years and served many terms on the church board. James is survived by his wife, Alice; daughter, Penny Marsh of Lansing; son Paul (Lynn) Potier of Perry; sister; Ruth Spencer of California; step-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his parents, one sister, one brother, and son-in-law Dean Marsh. Funeral services will be held at Watkins Brothers Funeral Home, Perry on Tuesday, August 29, 2006, 12:00 p.m. with the Rev. Carol Floyd officiating.