James Patrick Conlon, age 77, died on Monday, February 14, 2011 at Clark Retirement Community, surrounded by his family. James was the son of the late Alice (England) and Jess Conlon Sr. and was the youngest of four children.
James was raised in the Wayland/ Grand Rapids area and after high school graduation enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was sent to Korea during the Korean Conflict in which he was a combat medic for approximately 18 months. In 2007 James was awarded the Korean Service Medal and the Korea Defense Service Medal.
When James returned to the Grand Rapids area, he commenced his academic studies at Grand Rapids Junior College during the day and worked in a railroad yard on the night shift. One night at work James was involved in a tragic accident in which he was seriously injured. Thanks to his experience as a combat medic in Korea he was able to tell his partner what to do which saved his life, but the damage to his body was extensive requiring several corrective surgeries for the remainder of his life.
This did not deter James from earning Bachelor and Master degrees in Mathematics from Michigan State University. After recovering from the accident, James married Violet Mattson and had three children. James and Violet owned a small cottage on Selkirk Lake south of Wayland, MI which provided many years of quality family time, golfing, fishing and friendship. His children have fond memories of the camping trips they experienced while growing up.
James embarked on his teaching career of mathematics at Okemos High School and Greenville High School and from there he went to Belding High School where he remained until his retirement in 1988. James enjoyed a successful challenge at any level and in summer he would often take his family to various colleges where he attended advanced mathematic courses.
After Violet died, James met Linda Love Stewart and they began a friendship that culminated in marriage in 2004. Both of them liked to travel and that was the beginning of another era in James' life. They were able to take a small ship cruise to Alaska. They took several motor coach tours to New York, Lancaster, PA, rode five cog rail trains in Colorado and another one was to the Atlantic Providences including Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. They drove to Longboat Key, Florida six times for the month of February. Little did they know that 2010 was James' final trip. When they weren't traveling, they stayed home to watch the Detroit Tigers, the MSU and University of Michigan football games. Locally they supported music, opera and the theater.
James was predeceased by his parents, his first wife, Violet in 1997, his sisters, infant Bessie Colleen in 1928 and Barbara Conlon Truax in 2008; one great granddaughter Harlequin Hosford in 2009. He is survived by his wife, Linda; his children, Linda and Mike Hosford, Rodney and Cindy Conlon, Barbara and Bill Muth; his step-daughter, Jeralyn Love and Jeff Keeter; eight grand-children, Tony J. Hosford, Joella (Conlon) and Doug Show, Amanda (Conlon) and Matt Hasty; Ryan, Alan, and Kahli Muth; two step-grandchildren, Sydney and Brennan Keeter; two great-grandchildren, Christopher and Jonathan Show; one brother, Jess Conlon Jr.; two brothers-in-law, Lyle Truax, Harold and Clare Mattson; four sisters-in-law, Bessie Mattson, Dorothy Mattson, Frieda Mattson, Lois Mattson; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The family expresses heartfelt thanks to those who touched James during his illness: Dr. Thomas Quarnstrom and staff at the Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic in Grand Rapids; to Dr. Bruce Langerak and staff of Grand Valley Medical Specialists. Their attentiveness to James' multiple medical issues demonstrated compassion and concern. Dr. W. David Moore and staff kept James' wounded legs functioning so he could continue to walk. James developed a very special bond with staff and other clients at Sarah Care. Finally, the family wishes to express its deepest appreciation to the Clark Retirement Community where James spent his final days. So many staff there touched the life of James and his family, meeting their needs.
Visitation will be held at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 4291 Cascade Road SE (Grand Rapids) on Thursday, February 17, 2011 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at 12 noon on Friday, February 18, 2011 at Plymouth Congregational Church, 4010 Kalamazoo SE (Grand Rapids 49508) with Reverend Doug Van Doren officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church for family and friends coming from out of town. Interment at Elmwood Cemetery in Wayland Township will be immediate family.
In lieu of flowers one is asked to consider Plymouth Congregational Church Foundation (for the Pine Ridge Native American Reservation in ND) or Kent County Humane Society in memory of James and his beloved companion, Holly cat. Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Service.
Published by Grand Rapids Press from Feb. 15 to Feb. 17, 2011.
https://obits.mlive.com/us/obituaries/grandrapids/name/james-conlon-obituary?id=22448697