James Lee DeLano

James Lee  DeLano, 87, of  Boon and formerly of Houghton Lake passed away on Saturday February 16, 2019 at Samaritas Senior Living in Cadillac.

Jim was born on August 18, 1931 in Saginaw, Michigan to Martin and Marie (Rerick) DeLano.He grew up in Shepherd where the family owned and operated a Motor Lodge.  Jim Graduated from Shepherd High School and then attended Central Michigan University. In 1949 in Shepherd Jim was married to Lois Jean Salisbury.  He was later married in 1955 in Battle Creek to Carole Ann Johnson.  James moved to the Houghton Lake area with his family in 1950 when they sold the Motor Lodge in Shepherd and bought the Chrysler-Plymouth Dealership in Houghton Lake.  He worked at DeLano Motor Sales for many years as a mechanic and body repairman.  After the family sold their business Jim was a contractor in the Houghton Lake area for many years.  He enjoyed hunting and was an avid fisherman who had to be out on first ice to enjoy the good fishing.

Surviving Mr. DeLano are his two daughters, Debra (Steve) Davis of Merritt and Vallee Peterson of Boon;  granddaughter, Amanda (Preston) Herren of Mt. Pleasant; three grandsons, Skylar (Taylor Muckenthaler) Davis of Plainwell, Francis W. Laprade, III, and Terrance J. DeLano; great grandson, Brody Herren.  James was preceded in death by his parents; son, James DeLano; wife, Carole Ann (Johnson) DeLano; and first wife, Lois Jean (Salisbury)DeLano. 

Private family services for James Lee  DeLano will be conducted.  Interment will be in Roscommon Township Cemetery, Houghton Lake.  Christler Funeral Home, Houghton Lake Chapel is serving the family. Condolences can be sent to the family online at www.christler-holdship.com 

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