Obituary: James Edward Thayer

James Edward Thayer, 67, of Cassopolis, died Sunday, November 12, 2023.
His life began January 14, 1956, in Plainwell, Michigan born to Edward and Lena Thayer. He married the love of his life, Melva Louise DeVries August 9, 1980 in Allegan, Michigan.
Jim loved to laugh. He and his brother, Mike, were two peas in a pod. They laughed more than holding a regular conversation. He enjoyed gardening, camping, fishing, hunting, children, and traveling to the UP. Every year he would take his family to Wellston to Mushroom Fest. He enjoyed doing color tours. He cherished spending time with his grandson, Vander. When his kids were young, they were involved in 4H with cattle, horses, and dairy goats. He enjoyed watching them show. He was an avid golfer and bowler. He loved his Beagle, Opie. He was big into yard sales and thrift shopping with Mel.
Jim will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife of forty-three years, Melva Thayer of Cassopolis; one daughter, Natalie (Nathan Walden) Thayer of Three Rivers; one son, Nathan (Kelly) Thayer of Cassopolis; one grandson, Vander; mother-in-law, Melva DeVries of Gobles; one sister, Stella “Bonnie” (David) Peabody of Plainwell; one brother, T. Mike (Noelene) Lindsey of Gobles; foreign exchange student who is like a daughter, Catherina Brandt of Germany; and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; several sisters; and one brother.
Family and friends will gather from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday, November 16, 2023, in Wagner Family Funerals Connelly Chapel, 202 North Broadway Street, Cassopolis.
The family prefers contributions in memory of Jim be made to Cass County Animal Control, 323 M62, Cassopolis, Michigan 49031.