James A. Sisson Jr.

James A. Sisson Jr., “Jim” age 76 of Mt. Pleasant passed away Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at MyMichigan Medical Center Midland after surviving many hard fought battles that amazed even doctors. Jim was born in Corpus Christi, Texas on September 13, 1945 the son of James and Margaret (McCallister) Sisson. On December 30th, 1967 he married the love of his life Lynn Erickson. Who he affectionately called “Sweetie”. Jim served honorably in the Vietnam War. Upon his return, Jim & Lynn moved to Clare, Michigan to join her family at Gateway Chrysler. In 1977 Jim purchased and ran Smith Motors in Shepherd until 1985, when he made the leap to build Heritage Chrysler from the ground up in Mt. Pleasant. Heritage Collision came next; owned by Lynn, followed by the Tradition Oldsmobile dealership. After 4 decades of successfully running the dealerships, employing so many who also became friends, being an active member and donor in the community, Jim retired in 2016. Jim was a life long member of the Optimist Club. He was known to carry and share the Optimist creed whenever someone needed it. Given the nickname “Super Car Guy” by fellow members of the club, he proudly embraced it, became known by it, and will be remembered by many as Super Car Guy. It was always important to Jim to help people, which he did in every way from supporting students, little league teams, volunteering his time and resources, financial contributions, to creating a scholarship for kids wanting to pursue an education in the automotive trade. Jim was honored by Northwood University with the Dealer Education Award, which recognizes dealers nationally for their individual contributions and efforts to improve education on all levels. In 1998 Time Magazine named Jim Dealer of the Year in Michigan. A National award honored to Dealers who do exemplary work for the community. He served as President of the Michigan Automobile Dealers Association and was a member of the National Automobile Dealers Association. He was also a member of the Chamber of Commerce. Jim lived his life with integrity, generosity, and kindness. His heart was as big as his presence. His greatest love was his family. He lived to provide the best life and opportunities for his wife & children, who he loved with everything he had. Jim is survived by his wife Lynn; 3 children Julie (Ryan) LaLone of Gaylord, Jamie (Alan) DeKelaita of Clarkston, and James Eric Sisson of Mt. Pleasant. His loved beyond words grandchildren; Hannah Mae and Hayden James LaLone, Alivia Lynn and Grace Aila DeKelaita, and Michael James Sisson; and his best friend/sister Susan (Pat) Riley of Harrison Township. Siblings Nancy (Karen) Rappier-Sisson of West Bloomfield, and Cheryl (Ken) Wassus of Monroe; and several nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. Jim is preceded in death by both his parents; sisters Sandra Haney and Cynthia Golden; and special Uncle William B. Sisson. Jim and his family were members of the Shepherd United Methodist Church where a private family memorial service will be held on on January 7 at 11 a.m., with Bill Chu officiating. In honor of his eternal optimism, Jim’s family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Optimist Club of Mt. Pleasant. Arrangements have been entrusted to Berry Funeral Home of Shepherd.