James Lee Andrist, 82, of Beaverton, Michigan, passed away on Wednesday, April 9, 2014, surrounded by his 5 children and his loving wife. He was born in Melvindale, Michigan, on April 22, 1931, the son of Charles & Mary (Crumbpacker) Andrist. On March 16, 1957, he married the love his life, Barbara Whitmer in Beaverton. He was a veteran of the United States Army, proudly serving his country during the Korean Conflict. He was employed at Dow Chemical in Midland, Michigan, for 35 years, retiring in 1986. James was a lifetime resident of Gladwin County and spent his entire life living on the same road. He authored his own book, recounting his life which was titled "Pages from the Past. He was a Trustee for Tobacco Township, and a member of the Beaverton Area Fire Board. His passion in life was to see the Beaverton Fire Department get their new fire hall. James was a very loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, and he very much treasured the time he spent with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He always had a great smile and a kind spirit. He is survived by his wife of 57 years: Barbara Andrist of Beaverton; children: Charles (Barbara) Andrist of Palmer, Alaska; Robert Andrist of Beaverton; Tena Andrist of Beaverton; Richard (Marietta) Andrist of Beaverton; David (fiancee' Carol) Andrist also of Beaverton; 10 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; 3 sisters: Betty Brewer of Whitmore Lake; Jean Symonds of Lansing; Wanda Mullins of Lansing. Also surviving him are his brother in-law: Dan (Claudia) Whitmer of Beaverton; several nieces & nephews; special neighbors: Judy, Mike and Mark Wyse; as well as many very dear friends. He is preceded in death by his parents: Charles & Mary Andrist and great granddaughter: Chloe Andrist. Funeral Services will be conducted by Pastor Elwyn MacDonald on Monday, April 14, 2014, 1:00 P.M. with visitation beginning at 12:00 noon at the Beaverton Church of God, Beaverton, Michigan. The family will receive friends on Sunday, April 13, 2014 from 2-8:00 P.M. at Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home, Beaverton, Michigan. He will be laid to rest at Tobacco Twp. (Dale) Cemetery, Beaverton, Michigan. Those wishing to send an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Beaverton Church of God or Mid Michigan Home Care. www.hall-kokotovichfuneralhome.com