James (Jim) Periord, Sr. (89), of Dexter, MI, passed away on July 9, 2023. He was born April 7, 1934 to Frederick and Maude (DeShano) Periord. He graduated from St. Michael High School in Flint, MI, where he held many school records playing football, basketball and baseball.
He married his high school sweetheart Lorraine M. Gumm on August 7, 1954. He attended and earned a degree from General Motors Institute (GMI). He moved to Ypsilanti MI in 1959 where he worked for General Motors Fisher Body assembly plant (which became GMAC and BOC assembly divisions) eventually retiring as a process engineer at age 53 with 30 years of service. Jim was known as a go to guy for solving problems. Using his education and experience he helped family and friends with automotive repairs and home improvement projects.
He enjoyed watching college and professional sports. Jim played golf and bowled on recreational leagues for many years. He also taught himself to play the banjo, harmonica and ukulele. He moved to Dexter, MI in 1984 and became an active member of the Chelsea Senior Center where he socialized and participated in wii games, cards, bingo and played the ukulele with their members band. He attended St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea enjoyed Christian music and prayed to God often.
He is preceded in death by Lorraine, his wife of 64 years, his son Gary Periord, his parents, sisters Joan Beamish and Donna Thibodeau, and brother Jack Periord. He is survived by his children, Janet Hawkins, James (Regina) Periord, Jr., David Periord, Steve Cagle, Connie (Tom) McQuade, Daniel (Kathy) Periord, and his daughter-in-law Jeanine Periord, as well as his grandchildren Amanda, Joshua, Kaitlyn, Sandra, Joseph, Hannah, Lindsey, Abby, Natalie, Brandon, Brittany, and great-grandchildren Addison, Kinsley, Deagan, Evelyn, Henry, River, Milo, Karen, Gerald, Savanna, Isabelle, Emerson and Wesley. He will be greatly missed.
Family and friends are invited to a time of visitation at Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea on Saturday, July 15th, from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m., A Mass in celebration of his life will take place at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea on Monday, July 17th at 11:00 am (with pre-mass visitation at 10:00am). Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea.
- Cole Funeral Chapel, 214 E. Middle St., Chelsea, MI 48118
- St. Mary Catholic Church 14200 E. Old US Hwy 12 Chelsea, MI 48118
- Mt. Olivet Cemetery 1325 Freer Rd, Chelsea, MI 48118
Memorial contributions can be made to: Chelsea Senior Center, Chelsea Retirement Community and St. Mary Catholic Church.
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