James Allen White, 99 of Battle Creek, MI, passed away peacefully at home on January 10, 2025 surrounded by his family.

Jim was born on October 27, 1925 to Lawrence and Thelma (Powers) White near College Mound, MO, the second of seven children. He had humble beginnings in a farm house with no electricity or running water and started grammar school in a one-room schoolhouse. He grew up helping his dad with the farm chores and supplementing meals by hunting small game.

He attended Macon high-school and was a member of the football team. Following graduation in 1943, Jim joined the Navy. After basic training, he began taking officer training classes at Southeast Missouri State College and then at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, MI. There he met his future wife Madalyn Stelle. He continued his Navy officer training at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL until the war ended and he was honorably discharged in 1945. Jim and Madalyn were married in Kalamazoo, MI on July 10,1946, one year after their first date, and celebrated 76 years together.

Jim started his career in the replacement window business and rapidly learned estimating, measuring and installation skills. He was offered a job by his window supplier in South Bend, IN and was soon the boss of the installation crew. He and Madalyn started their family in South Bend, first a girl and then a boy, and bought their first home there. Jim continued to hone his skills, selling and installing water softeners, then working for Permalite company, specializing in fiberglass awning installation. In 1962, he transferred to the Battle Creek, MI office and worked for Permalite until they went out of business.

He worked for many construction and remodeling companies in and around Battle Creek, before starting his own business, "James A. White, Contractor". He managed diverse projects including restaurant remodeling, school additions, many home remodeling projects and building his daughter's home. Jim was known for his integrity, fairness and strong troubleshooting skills. He established a lasting customer base who could always count on him to do the job right and not cut corners, for a fair price. Jim never had a specific retirement date and continued to do small projects into his nineties.

Jim always enjoyed the outdoors. He went on fishing and deer hunting trips with his brother-in-law and father-in-law. He and Madalyn utilized the hiking trails at Kellogg Forest and Ft Custer Recreational Area. They went on many sightseeing trips out west in the 4-corners area, taking in the natural beauty of the National Parks.

Jim is survived by his daughter Debbie White of Battle Creek, his son David White of Willow Spring, NC and their spouses; grandsons Colin White and Logan White of Raleigh, NC; brothers Huey White of Bevier, MO and Roger White of Macon, MO, and sister Andrea Hyde of Macon, MO; many favorite nieces/nephews, great-nieces/nephews and great great-nieces/nephews in Missouri, Colorado and the Washington, DC area. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Laveta, brothers Earl and Ronnie, and wife Madalyn.

In alignment with his wishes, cremation has taken place. The veteran Honor Guard ceremony will take place at Ft Custer National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Centrica Care Navigators in Kalamazoo, MI, or Arcadia Home Care and Staffing in Portage, MI.