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1944 - 2008
EICHAKER, James
Lapeer, MI
Formerly of Mattawan
Jim passed away Thursday afternoon, May 22, 2008 at Lapeer Regional Medical Center, Lapeer, MI. He was born June 22, 1944, the son of Rudolph and Agnes (Hansen) Eichaker. He was employed with General Motors for 40 years and enjoyed sailboating, traveling and camping. On December 3, 2004 in Lapeer, Jim was united in marriage to Angkana, who survives. Also surviving are 2 children: Julie (Doug) Cummings and David (Chris) Eichaker, both of Portage; 6 grandchildren: Alexis, Caitlin, Tyler, Kayla, Grace and Ashtin; a brother, Ronald (Wanda) Eichaker; and a sister, Patricia Eichaker, both of Lawton. He was preceded in death by his parents. Cremation will take place. A memorial service will be held Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at the Adams Funeral Home, Paw Paw. Memorial contributions may be made a charity of choice. Share a memory or condolence on line at: www.timeformemory.com/adams
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There are currently 8 condolences.
LeeAnn Yant(Bill)
clacats@charter.net
Monday May 26, 2008 at
10:04 AM
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My husband and Jim worked together at GM. I lost Bill in 1999, but I still remember all of the good times we had, way back then. I was so sorry to see about Jim. My sincere condolences to you and the family.
LeeAnn Yant
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Eileen Bagley
Saturday May 24, 2008 at
12:31 PM
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Jim's family: I was so sorry to hear of Jim's passing away. After all these years, I have never forgotten the Eichaker family - I spent a lot of time with them when I was young. I dated Jim's older brother, Ron for many years, and was good friends with Pat and Jim. We had a lot of fun together roller skating, sliding, going to Chicago and many other good times. I only found out today about the memorial service and I am sorry I had to miss it. My prayers go out to you all.
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David Butler, Douglas Butler, Ken Butler, Chris Butler, and Mrs. Elmer Butler.
Friday May 23, 2008 at
7:12 PM
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You will be missed, but never forgotten Jim.
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Norma Futrell
Friday May 23, 2008 at
6:48 PM
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So sorry to hear about Jim, I worked with Jim for about 22 years
He was a good worker, lost tract of him when I retired in 98.
Norma
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Anita Malbone Kline
akline@peakcommunity.com
Friday May 23, 2008 at
5:05 PM
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Julie & David,
I am so sorry to hear about your father's death. It has been many years since I lived across the street and Julie and I played together as children. My father happened to see the obituary online and passed word onto me. My prayers are with both of you.
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Chris & Dee Butler
Friday May 23, 2008 at
5:04 PM
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In Memory of James Eichaker
Jim and I have been friends since we were children. We lost track of each other over the years just as many old school friends do. Both our jobs took us away from the Kalamazoo area. A lot of years had passed before one day I decided to see if I could find him on the internet. Long story short& we finally connected again thanks to his sister Pat. We had a lot to talk about after all those years to catch up with each others lives. And so the phone calls and emails began& Even though we lived more than a thousand miles apart, we managed to visit each other face to face a few times in recent years. Ill cherish those times together forever.
As children, we lived just down the road a piece from each other and grew up playing together when we could. Occasionally Jims sister, Patricia came over and played as well. A really fun day was when Jim was able to stay for lunch. I remember Jim was very protective of his sister Pat and would do anything for her.
Back in the day I remember Jims (The Eichakers) homestead on the curve. Jim was always proud of his brother, Ron, and his Indian motorcycle and his unique cycle garage. Eventually, Jim got his own motorcycle, and I would see him ride by our house. He loved to ride with the wind blowing in his face. Along with that memory of him, I also remember his ducktail haircut and James Dean look&.very cool.
Jim never lost his love of adventure regardless of if he was swimming across Eagle Lake with Bill or maneuvering the mountain roads in the State of Washington. He just loved to travel.
Jim always cared about others more than he cared about himself. I remember the time he helped me get my car, a 1954 Chevy, out of the ditch across from his house and back on the road again. I also know a few months ago he helped push a car out of the snow in Lapeer during a winter snow storm. Jim always had a helping hand for others and a very caring personality. I appreciated Jims thoughtfulness when he and Angkana drove from Lapeer to my moms house with flowers in hand just to stop in and see how she was doing after she had been in the hospital with a broken leg.
I was very sad when we recently found out that Jim was facing the greatest challenge in his life...a battle with cancer. I called and we talked about his illness, exchanged recent photos and just reminisced about old times. When I asked him what I could do for him, he replied Please call Angkana& I am worried about her. What he didnt know was that Angkana had just called, and asked me to call Jim because she was worried about him. It is wonderful that the two of them loved each other so much that their first concern was the other person. How lucky they were to have found each other and spent these last years together in happiness.
I will never forget the gleaming sparkle he had in his eyes and his wide smile when he talked about his family and Angkana. He truly loved them.
Jimmy, will be missed by me, but never ever forgotten. He chiseled a memory in my brain and heart that will last forever. I only wish we had more time to spend together. So until we meet again my friend, you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Chris Butler, Mattawan Schools, Class of 1962
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Denise Kuipers
Friday May 23, 2008 at
2:14 PM
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Julie & David and families:
You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. I will be in Chicago on Saturday, but will be praying for all of you. Love, Denise Kuipers
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Mary Anne
Friday May 23, 2008 at
1:57 PM
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I would just like to say that Jim gave me 2 of the most incredible children any mother could ask for, and 6 of the most beautiful grandchildren, for these gifts I will always be eternally grateful to him.
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