of Dexter, MI, formerly of Fremont, IN, age 72, died Monday, November 26, 2018 at his home. He was born March 25, 1946 in Angola, Indiana, the son of John L. & Beulah E. (King) Sommers. James graduated Magna Cum Laude from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1968, and was in private practice in Dexter since 1970. He was a certified Chiropractic Sports Physician and was also certified in Chiropractic Physiological Therapeutics. James was active in many organizations in his capacity as a Chiropractor, including the ACA Council on Sports Injuries and Physical Fitness, President of the Michigan Chiropractic Society, and Chairperson of the State of Michigan Board of Chiropractic. He also received recognition for his work with Ann Arbor Disaster Preparedness, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards, Michigan Palmer Alumni Association, Michigan State Police, Washtenaw County Emergency Management, and Washtenaw County Sheriff. James was awarded Chiropractor of the Year in 2003 from the Michigan Chiropractic Society, and the Weldon S. Derifield Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005. He was also the Chiropractic Director for the US Open Professional Bowlers Association Tour in 94-95, and was Sports Board Item Writer for the American Board of Chiropractic Sports Physicians.
On September 5, 1965, he married Peggy Kling in Angola, IN, and she survives. Other survivors include his son James G. “Greg” (Myra) Sommers; his daughter, Cynthia A. (Michael Zgleszewski) Weaver; and four grandchildren, Niklas Sommers, Luke Weaver, Ethan Dunahoo, Elle Dunahoo. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jerrie Sommers, and his sister, Mollie Dove.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Dec 1, noon at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea, with Pastor Ray Maurer and Dr. T.J. Spencer officiating. The family will receive friends from 10-noon. A private burial will be held at Washtenong Memorial Park in Ann Arbor. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Huron Valley or Arbor Hospice.