Ret. MSG James Dale, 77, of Jackson, Michigan, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2024, after a hard and courageous 3-year battle with Dementia.
Born and raised in Tram, Kentucky, on March 1, 1947, to Othel and Daniel Dale, James grew up with a love of God, a devotion to family and strong work ethic, that he carried with him through his life.
After he graduated from Betsy Lane High School, he moved to Michigan for a brief period before receiving draft papers from the United States Army. After serving in Vietnam, he returned to Michigan where he met his wife and re-enlisted in the military where he dedicated the next 22 years of his life.
James proudly served in the United States Army as a Chaplains Assistant and was stationed in Fort Knox, Kentucky, Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska, Arlington, Virginia (Arlington National Cemetery), Mannheim, Germany, and Fort Monmouth, New Jersey.
After James retired from the military, he moved his family to Jackson, Michigan where he began work and achieved a second retirement from Jackson College as the head of the Shipping and Receiving Department.
James was a strong, kind, loving, and supportive husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. He lived his life for God, Family and Country and raised his family with the same values. He had a tremendous passion for music, especially Bluegrass, Gospel, and Country. He enjoyed traveling whether it was to different states or venturing to other countries. He was proud to have served as song leader and treasurer at Page Avenue Baptist Church for many years .
He was proceeded in death by his parents, his loving and devoted wife of 42 years, Sandra (Sandy) Draffen, several siblings and life-long friends.
James leaves behind his wonderful loving friend of many years Janet Rorbacher, Daughter Elizabeth (Michael) Masters, Grandsons Colin (Olivia) Dexter, Deven Dexter and “adopted” Grandson Nathan Knight, Great Grand Daughter Susan Dexter, Brother in Laws Charles (Mary Ann) Draffen, Lonnie (Erma) Draffen along with many nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind many friends that were made while in the military that he called family.
Many thanks to the ones at Highland Assisted Living who showed James care and compassion as well as the loving and compassionate care that was received from Careline Hospice (a special thank you to Tammy and Danny).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of James, to the Gary Sinise Foundation or the Cascades Humane Society in Jackson, Michigan.
James’ family and friends gathered from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 20, 2024, at Eineder Funeral Homes – Michigan Center Chapel (Formerly Arthur-Day Funeral Home). His funeral service immediately followed visitation, at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Don Anderson served as celebrant.
