James E. English, 88, of Grand Rapids passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on November 25, 2023, after a brief, courageous bout of pancreatic cancer.

Jim was born on April 10, 1935, in Manistique, MI to the late Vern and Irene (Clark) English.  He married Martha Ayre on August 6, 1960, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Flint.

Jim was a proud graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in economics and was the ultimate Spartan. He loved the green and white and traveled near and far to watch his Spartans. He grew up in the petroleum industry and worked for Standard Oil in his hometown of Rudyard before moving throughout the state with Amoco and owning and founding Scotland Oil in Alma in 1975. He finished his career with Total Petroleum, as a crude oil rep calling on producers throughout Michigan.

Jim was a loving husband to Marty, his wife of 63 years. He was a devoted father to his three loving children, Karen (Mike) Constantino of Kentwood, MI; Paul (Nancy) English of Holland, MI; and Colleen (Jim) Rapp of Iowa City, IA. Gramps was proud of his eight grandchildren: Elizabeth English Smith (Danny), Kristin Constantino, Katherine Rapp, Charlie Constantino, Jim English II, Jacqueline Rapp, Megan English, and Tommy Rapp; and was a beaming great grandfather to Murphy James and Patrick Paul Smith.

Jim and Marty wintered in Englewood, FL for 23 years before returning to Grand Rapids full time in 2021. They enjoyed traveling, particularly to their beloved U.P. Jim was an avid golfer, hunter, and card player. Jim was quick witted and had a great sense of humor and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM Thursday, November30, 2023 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 4101 Clyde Park Ave., SW, Wyoming, MI, with Fr. John Vallier as celebrant. The family will welcome visitors on Thursday prior to the Mass from 10 to 11 am at the church.