James Locker, Sr.

James Clare Locker, Sr., age 82, of Portage, MI went to be with his Lord on Sunday, April 19, 2015. James was born in Benton Harbor on July 30, 1932, the son of the late Hiram and Marion (Sibley) Locker. He graduated from Bangor High School in 1950 and then attended Western Michigan University, where he received his Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration in 1956. After college he started his own business as a State Farm Insurance Agent in Kalamazoo and later moved to Portage, retiring after 50 years. He was a member of Milwood United Methodist Church. He was a longtime member of Portage Rotary Club and Portage Masonic Lodge. James is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Bonnie Locker; three children, Cheryl (Larry) Hilton of Portage, James (Audrey) Locker II of Kalamazoo and Robert (Cheri) Locker of Grand Ledge; three grandchildren, Derrick (Kristen) Hilton and Hunter & Aspen Locker; and two nephews and one niece, John Locker, Joe Locker and Linda Mitchell. James was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard and John Locker. Friends may visit with the family from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2015 at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 East Centre Avenue, where a Masonic service will be held at 7:30 p.m. The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2015 at the funeral home. Pastor Bob Lynch will officiate with interment in Hill Cemetery in Lawrence, MI.