James O. Murgittroyd, Jr. age 85 of Wheeler, passed away July 5, 2021 at Schnepp Senior Care and Rehab Center in St. Louis.
James was born October 24, 1935 to James O. And Ethel G. (Sweet) Murgittroyd, Sr. in Pleasant Valley, Michigan. He married Elsie Easlick June 12, 1955. James served in the National Guard.
James and Elsie were dairy farmers. He loved animals - especially horses and rodeos. He loved farming and his cows. James and Elsie enjoyed playing euchre and liked to party with their friends. James liked cars and loved racing them in his younger days - but not on a drag strip. He raced on the open roads along with his best friend, Chuck Wilhelm. James loved his family and spending time with his grandchildren.
James is survived by his children Debbie (Doug) Andrews of Reed City, Linda Murgittroyd of Wheeler, Alan Murgittroyd of Goshen, Indiana, Anne Murgittroyd of St. Charles; grandchildren Billie Jo (Robert) James, Mike and Lisa Pyman, Jim Butcher, Micheal and Kelly Andrews, Jimmy Pyman, Melissa Andrews, Miranda Andrews, Daniel Murgittroyd, Haley (River) Kennedy, Gaige Stopjik, ReAnna Stopjik; and several great grandchildren.
James was preceded in death by his wife Elsie, parents Obe and Ethel Murgittroyd, brothers Jack and Gene, and sisters Joyce and Judy.
Funeral services for James will be 11am Saturday, July 10, 2021 at the Barden Funeral Home. Pastor Doug Strait will officiate and burial will follow at Lafayette Township Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 9, from 2-8pm at the funeral home. The funeral service will be livestreamed via Zoom. For those wishing to attend the livestream, you may join at the following link: https://zoom.us/j/91679327703?pwd=cTNueDY0MG52NzY3ei9HNEZRT003Zz09
The family would like to send a special thank you to all the wonderful people at Schnepp’s who took such great care of dad.
The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.