James Belmore

Died Tuesday, February 7, 2023, in Tampa, Florida. James (Jim) was born on October 30, 1942, in Marquette, MI, the son of Eugene J. and Ella (Voce) Belmore. He moved to Battle Creek after graduating from Michigan Tech University where he joined Eaton Corporation as an Engineer, retiring after 37 years in 2002.  Jim received his master’s degree in business from Western Michigan University in 1970, and was a proud member of the Army National Guard during the 60’s.

Jim was an avid sports enthusiast, playing football at Michigan Tech University, where he was co-captain of 1963 NIC championship team, and in the Fall of 2022 was honored at the Universities homecoming game.   He also had a passion for Hockey, and was instrumental in starting the Battle Creek Area Hockey Association during the 80’s.  He spent time coaching his son J.R.’s hockey team through high school, and enjoyed taking Kelley to swim meets and Janel to gymnastics.   More recently, he loved watching his grandchildren play sports and was always cheering them on from the stands.   Jim also enjoyed gardening, growing roses, vegetables, and feeding wild birds and hummingbirds.

Jim is survived by his wife Sandra K Belmore (Mason) of 56 years, and his three children Kelley (Robert) Hollingsworth, Janel (Brad) Folkert and James (J.R.) (Kristi) Belmore and 14 grandchildren. He is also survived by brother Harlan (Carol) Belmore of Marquette, Michigan and sister Grace Niehoff of Wheatfield, Indiana.  He was preceded in death by his parents.  A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 19th from 3 to 6:00 p.m., at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Battle Creek. Funeral services will be held Monday, February 20, 2023, at the Athens United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Burr Oak Cemetery in Athens, immediately following services.

Memorials may be made to the Athens United Methodist Church or the Michigan Tech Fund (Athletic fund), Michigan Technological University, 1400 Townsend Drive, Houghton, MI 49931-1295.

www.henryfuneralhome.org