James Gregoire

James L. Gregoire, 89 of Battle Creek, passed away February 24, 2013 at Bronson Battle Creek. James was born in Ontario, Canada on an island near Pebetanquisheme, Ontario on January 24. 1924. He became a US citizen by serving in the U.S. Coast Guard and then as a Combat Infantryman in the U.S. Army. After being severely wounded in WWII and earning a purple heart with an oak leaf cluster, a bronze star and a combat infantryman’s badge, he was sent to Persey Jone’s Hospital for 2 years.

He was best known for several bars and restaurants in the Battle Creek area. The most notable being “The Rascal Frenchman Inn”, which served his famous family’s recipe for Bar B Q ribs. The last bar he owned was “Partners” on North Ave.

His first wife Margret and he had his only child, a son, in 1947 named Jim Jr. He is survived by his current wife Lisa, son Jim Jr., daughter in law Barbara and his lifelong friend Marion Balch.

He lived most of his life on St Mary’s Lake and loved the water. A memorial service will be held this spring for his friends and family. Arrangements by the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home.