James Richard Thering

The beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, James "Jim" Thering, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2026, at the age of 82 surrounded by his family. The seventh of nine children, Jim was born on the family farm in Isabella County on November 10, 1943, to Elmer Aloysius and Ann Louise (McDonald) Thering. He grew up with his 8 siblings, Joe, Mary Lou, Robert "Sam", Tom, John "Jack", Jean, Elizabeth, and Patrick. It was a close-knit family filled with faith, hard work, and humor. He carried those values with him every day of his life.

A proud graduate of Beal City High School in 1961, Jim played football, basketball, and ran track. He studied at Ferris State University and Central Michigan University. During high school, Jim met a young lady named Sara Merrill at a birthday party. As the story goes, Sara was crashing the party when, from across the room, she pointed at him, indicating she wanted a dance with him. Their first dance was to the song, "Cherry Pie" by Marvin and Johnny.

On May 9, 1964, the couple married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Their 61+ years of marriage were blessed with three children: Caroline, James, and Nicholas. Jim supported his family as a UPS driver, a career that spanned 31 years, ending in 1998. His unmatched work ethic and passion for helping others were a source of great pride.

A man of deep faith and a lifelong supporter of Sacred Heart Parish in Mt. Pleasant, Jim sent his children to Sacred Heart Academy, a well-known rival to his own Beal City Aggies.

Jim was the kind of neighbor everyone wishes they had. He was always the first to lend a tool, fix a problem, or mow a lawn before anyone even knew it needed mowing…earning him the loving nickname "the Mayor of the Neighborhood." Whether it was helping a woman change a flat tire during his delivery days, wrangling a goat out of his UPS truck, or simply keeping an eye on those he loved unconditionally, Jim lived a life of service without ever seeking attention.

A fierce fan of the Detroit Lions, Jim was as tough as they come, always displaying true grit and never complaining. He loved the outdoors; gardening, deer camp with friends, and spending time in the yard. He enjoyed his twice-daily trips to the coffee shop where he could share storied conversations in the presence of good company. His favorite meal was butter and he was a legendary one-liner. He'd proudly say, "I wish I was rich instead of so good looking". His sense of humor often left those around him laughing with him…never at him.

Above all, Jim loved and cherished his family. Even after a long workweek, he still made time for his children on Saturdays, never missing a moment to watch them grow up. Jim adored his grandchildren, treasured every moment spent with them, and was deeply connected to his siblings and their families. He visited his parents every week without fail. He was the steady presence, the quiet helper, the man who put everyone else first and himself last. He was a true gentleman leaving behind a legacy of kindness, humility, humor, and unwavering love. Though he never wanted the spotlight, he lit up knowing he was making a difference for others.

Jim is survived by his wife, Sara; children, Caroline Pramuka of Mt. Pleasant, James (Amy) Thering of Mt. Pleasant, and Nicholas (Sarah) Thering of Spring Lake; grandchildren, Jack and Luke, Nate, Adam, and Ben, and Nadaly; siblings Tom (Ellie) Thering of School Section Lake, Jean (Russ) Messersmith of Grand Rapids, Elizabeth Miller of Grayslake, IL, and Patrick Thering of Mt. Pleasant; in-laws, Rosie Thering of Elsie, Connie Thering of Williamston, Sharon (Tom) Able of Leesburg, FL, Glenda Bookey of Hermitage, TN, Caroline Merrill of San Francisco, CA, Wes Merrill of Leesburg, FL, and Katherine (Ron) Sluyter of Fenton; and many nieces and nephews who adored him.

He was preceded in death by his parents Elmer and Ann Thering; siblings, Joe Thering, Mary Lou (Lyle) Willoughby, Robert "Sam" (Paula) Thering, and John "Jack" Thering; parents in-law, Stuart and Helen Merrill; in-laws, Ann Thering, Ken Miller, and Dan Bookey; nephew, Brian Thering; and niece, Shelly Rau.

Cremation has taken place. A Funeral Mass for Jim will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, February 26, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Father Loren Kalinowski will preside with Deacon Jim Damitio assisting. Immediately following, a luncheon will be held at Lincoln Reception Center (attached to the funeral home). The family will receive friends at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. with a rosary beginning at 7 p.m. Visitation continues at the church on Thursday one hour before Mass. Jim will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Sacred Heart Academy Foundation, Heartland Hospice, or the charity of the donor's choice.

Jim will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his spirit lives on in the stories, laughter, and love he so generously shared.