1947 ~ 2023
James Gary Becker, 75, of Glen Arbor passed away on October 29, 2023 at Culver Meadows Senior Living in Traverse City. Jim was born on September 11th, 1947 in Detroit Michigan to Grace (Brown) and William Becker. Jim married Lynn Turner on April 16th, 1971 and they had one daughter, Colleen Elizabeth in December of 1974. He met Lynn while attending Wayne State University in Detroit where he received a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was a member of the Theta Xi Fraternity there and made many lasting friendships. He went on to work for Ford Motor company and Chrysler Corporation. His last job was with Lectron Products in Rochester Hills Michigan. He sold their products to Chrysler. He managed to retire at 49 and never looked back. He loved retirement! Jim’s love for Leelanau began with a vacation with some college friends. They suggested Jim and his family join them at a favorite spot of theirs in Glen Arbor. One vacation there and he was hooked and came back every year until they purchased a condo in 1981 at the Homestead. He never tired of the beauty of Lake Michigan and Leelanau County. He loved snow skiing downhill and cross country with his family and friends. He loved the summer months and in 1995 bought a home on Little Glen Lake where he and Colleen skied, went tubing and kayaked. They loved sharing these sports together. He loved every minute he spent on Lake Michigan on his sailboat and on the gorgeous beach, then found serenity on Little Glen Lake.
Jim was a huge fan of all the local music in the area. He and his family would follow the musicians around the county enjoying all the great music in different locations.
Jim had another passion and that was GOLF! He and his friends hit every course in the area. He enjoyed many years in two leagues at the Dunes Golf Course. Then he and a group of 6-10 guys decided to play twice a week and at a different course each time. They loved the variety. Leelanau and golf made him very happy!!
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Grace and William Becker; his brother, John Becker; his sister, Marjorie Ziegenfelder; and his sister, Judy Spicher. He enjoyed his 11 nieces and nephews especially at the holidays and summer picnics. Now they have 19 kids and they are all starting families!!
Jim was a kind and loving husband and father. He was known for his quick wit and wonderful sense of humor. He will be missed and we will hold him forever in our hearts.
He passed away at Culver Meadows Family Living Facility and we want to thank Jamie and her wonderful staff for taking such great care of him. Their kindness and comfort will always be remembered.
A “Celebration of Life” will be held on June 9th from 1-3 at Camp Firefly at the Homestead in Glen Arbor. Please join us to enjoy his love of dessert and great music. With his love for Leelanau, the family would welcome donations to “Preserve the Sleeping Bear” at https://phsb.org/ giving/in-honor-memory/
