James A. Basselman

James A. Basselman, 87, of Barton City, passed away Monday, November 29, 2010, at Alpena Regional Medical Center. Born January 18, 1923 in to Ernest and Matilda (McGregor) Basselman in Barton City, he was raised there. Jim served in the United States Army during WWII from 1943-1946. On September 20, 1947, he married Arden Michaud in Barton City. Jim taught school for two years in Barton City, before attending Michigan State University, graduating in 1952 with a degree in Agricultural Engineering. Jim and Arden lived in Chicago for three years, while Jim worked at the Farm Implement News. In 1955, Jim and Arden moved to St. Joseph MI, where Jim worked as the editor for the American Society of Agricultural Engineers for 32 years. He retired to Barton City in 1988. An avid baseball fan and player, Jim was a founding member of the Original Alcona Baseball Association in 1946. He loved following the Detroit Tigers, and worked as an usher during their Spring Training in Lakeland, Florida. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Barton City. He is survived by his wife; Arden, two daughters; Lynn (Stan) Faultersack of St. Joseph, MI, and Marilyn (Jim) Pleasants of Barton City, one son; Robert (Lynn) Basselman of St. Joseph, MI, five grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, two sisters; Ruth (Dick) Gillies, and Leora Gillard, of Lincoln, two brothers-in-law; Lloyd (Sylvia) Michaud, and Laurence Travis of Mikado, and one sister-in-law; Lilith (Bill) Schwickert of Harrisville. Mr. Basselman is at Gillies Funeral Home, Lincoln where visitation will take place on Thursday, December 2 from 5 until 8 pm. Visitation will continue on Friday, December 3, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Barton City from 10 am until the funeral service at 11am. Rev. Laraine Sundin will officiate. Burial will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. Memorial Donations suggested to the Jim Basselman Baseball Memorial Fund, 1433 W. Trask Lake Road, Barton City, MI 48705, or to Trinity Lutheran Church, Barton City. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James A. Basselman, please visit our flower store.