James A. Pake

James passed away peacefully at Brian’s House on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at the age of 94. He was born on February 24, 1929 to the late Arthur and Jeannie (Kerr) Pake in Bay City, Michigan. He was a member of Kawkawlin Community Church and the VFW Post 6950. He enjoyed going to the River Side Senior Center, helping others and going golfing. James retired from the United States Air Force after 20 years of service. Over those 20 years, he was stationed in Michigan, Montana, Alaska, Japan, Tawain and Korea during the Korean War. He also worked for Kroger for 15 years as a member of the United Food and Commercial Worker Union. He married the love of his life, Phyllis (Gehringer) Pake, on June 4, 1962 and they spent over 45 years together before her passing on March 28, 2008.

James is survived by his sister, Barbara Pake-Miller; devoted nephew, Donald Miller and many other nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Arthur (Edith) Pake, Matthew (Margaret) Pake, Larry (Gerry) Pake and Herbert (Genevieve) Pake; sisters, Lillian (Arthur) Pfundt, Naomi Pake and Kathleen (Robert) Pake and brother-in-law, William R. Miller Jr.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to the staff at 4 East McLaren Bay Region, McLaren Hospice, Brian’s House and also the staff at Symphany Tri-Cities.

Funeral Service and Military Honors for James will take place on Monday, September 18, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Gephart Funeral Home. Military Honors will be conducted by the Bay County Veterans and the United States Air Force. Officiating will be Pastor Trent Renner. Private interment will take place at Heavenly Rest Cemetery. The family will be present to receive visitors at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making memorial contributions to the VFW 6950 or Kawkawlin Community Church.