Jimmy Wayne Liles

Jim’s life began February 23, 1939 in Drasco, Arkansas. At a young age his family moved to Michigan and settled in Watervliet. Jim graduated from Watervliet High School and then went to work at the Watervliet Paper Mill. When the paper mill closed Jim went to work at Sears and then Bowater Paper until retirement. Jim enjoyed 63 years with his loving wife Mary Jane raising his four children and enjoying watching his family grow. When Jim wasn’t working or supporting a child or grandchild in their activities you could find him watching races, gardening, or relaxing camping. His greatest joy was surrounding himself with his loving family.

Jim is survived by: his wife Mary Jane (Pearce) Liles; two children Rick (Karla) Liles and Leslie Liles; six grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren and happily looking forward to meeting the one on the way; his four sisters-in-law Helen, Patricia “Tish”, Bobby, and Kelley; and many nieces and nephews.

Jim died Sunday, September 4, 2022, at home surrounded by his family. He is preceded in death by a son Jimmy Liles Jr, a daughter Theresa Phillips, a son-in-law Darrell Phillips, a grandson Tommy Vasquez, his parents George and Leona (Cannon) Liles, two sisters Pat (Denny) Warren and Louise (Bob) Rotach, his mother and father-in-law, and nieces and nephews.

Friends may visit with Jim’s family Thursday, September 8, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet. Funeral services will be celebrated Friday, September 9, at 1:00 PM at Hutchins Funeral Home. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Watervliet. Memorials may be made in Jim’s memory to Caring Circle Hospice. You are invited to leave a message of comfort for Jim’s family.

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