James "Jim" Scanlon

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed unexpectedly on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Covenant HealthCare – Cooper. He was 88 years old. James Richard Scanlon was born on April 3, 1936, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Leo and Irene (Kiley) Scanlon. He was a 1954 graduate of SS. Peter & Paul High School. Jim proudly served his country in the United States Air Force with the Strategic Air Command in the Inflight Refueling Maintenance Group, serving in Labrador, Portugal, and stateside until his honorable discharge. He met the love of his life, Ellen Marie Metiva, in the dining room of their current home through his sister. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on May 1, 1965, celebrating 59 of the most amazing years together until his passing. Jim was employed by Saginaw Steering Geer as a pilot and show coordinator and quality control inspector, retiring in 1995 after 32 years of loyal and dedicated service. The role of his lifetime, one he treasured and cherished above all others, was to be a loving and dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. Jim was a lifelong and faithful member of SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church. A family man at heart, Jim loved spending time with his family. Every weekend was a new adventure, whether it was visiting his brother, brother-in-law, mother- and father-in-law, the family all hopped in the vehicle and met on the weekends. As a young couple, Jim and Ellen enjoyed metal detecting and were actively involved in a local detecting club. Jim made every day special, but the holidays were his favorite, especially Halloween. He always looked forward to taking the kids trick or treating and cutting down the Christmas tree. Jim loved to make holiday times feel both special and magical. He was the “jack of all trades” often using his humble intellect to fix, tinker on, and complete any project he put his mind to. He will forever be remembered for his selflessness to all in need; for his strong and unwavering faith, for co-authoring a book, “From Gaslight to Starlight – The History of Saginaw Steering Gear”; and for truly living an amazing life filled with many beautiful memories and stories.

Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Ellen M. Scanlon of Saginaw; four children: Christina (Chris) Michael of Lansing; Shawn (Julie) Scanlon of Saginaw; Peggy (Andy) Lampela of Saginaw; Brendan (Kelly) Scanlon of Lansing; eight grandchildren: Kayla (Jordan) Vanover; Daniel Fee; Meaghan (Jared) Bigby; Sarah Scanlon and her fiancé, Andrew Kipfmiller; Amy McQuarter and her fiancé, Christian Hoffman; Garrett Scanlon; Paige Scanlon; Finn Lampela; five great-grandchildren: Parker; Ella; Aubrey; Marleigh; Maggie; a brother, Gerald “Jerry” Scanlon. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Irene Scanlon; three brothers: Leo Scanlon; Harold (Frances) Scanlon; Robert (Helene) Scanlon; sister, Mary Jane (Duane) Soper; sister-in-law, Shirley Scanlon; brother-in-law, Raymond (Joyce) Metiva.

A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1035 N. River Rd., Saginaw, MI 48609. Rev. Fr. Peter J. Gaspeny and John R. Johnson will concelebrate. Rite of Committal and Military Honors will follow at St. Andrew Cemetery under the auspices of the United States Air Force and American Legion Post #22. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Rd., Saginaw, MI 48603 on Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Vigil Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday evening. Jim will lie in state at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com.