James Newkirk Standley

James “Jim” Newkirk Standley, age 86, of Climax, MI passed peacefully on the morning of May 4, with family by his side. He was born on September 5, 1937 in Delton, MI, the son of Duane and Hazel (Edmonds) Newkirk. 

Jim is survived by his wonderful, loving wife of 36 years Janice (Babcock) Standley; children, Linda (Don) Steen, Bill (Teresa) Morris, Chet (Shelly) Morris, Eric (Jen) Morris and Lisa (Bob) Schreiner, Chris Beard and Cheryl Nelson; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; sister, Judy (Charles) Bradley, Augusta, MI and brother John (MariLee) Standley, LaFayette, GA. 

Preceding him in death were his parents, Duane Newkirk, Arthur and Hazel (Edmonds Newkirk) Standley and daughter Trecia Standley. 

He spent three years serving our country with the United States Navy as an Air Traffic Controller. After honorable discharge from the Navy, Jim went to work for Clark Equipment as a Tool and Die Maker. He continued his career as a tool and die maker at Denso, retiring in 2000. 

Jim had many hobbies, he was passionate about them all and they include Homing pigeons, remote control airplanes and was a member of the Battle Creek Balsa Bees Model Airplane Club. He was a ham radio operator for several years.  He enjoyed social and country dancing, bluegrass music festivals, went on several cruises including an Alaskan cruise, Hawaii Cruises and spent 15 winters snow birding in Florida.

Jim’s biggest and most proud accomplishment (besides his 36 years with his wife) was his membership with the Masonic Lodge, Ira A. Beck #0503, Battle Creek, MI. Jim was initiated on January 11, 1990. He held offices of Junior Deacon from 1/1/92 to 1/1/93, Junior Warden from 1/1/93 to 1/1/94 and Senior Warden from 1/1/94 to 1/1/95.  He then obtained their highest honors of Worshipful Master from 1/1/95 to 1/1/96 and Chaplain from 12/1/96 to 12/1/97. 

The funeral service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, May 11 at 2:00 p.m. in the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home, Battle Creek, MI. The Masonic Lodge, Ira A. Beck #0503, will officiate the service. Jim’s family will greet friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time on Saturday at the funeral home. Interment will be at Hicks Cemetery, Pennfield with military honors. Memorial contributions in Jim’s honor can be made to a charity of one’s choice. Personal messages for Jim’s family may be shared at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.