James O. Sayles

James O. Sayles, age 70, passed away Sunday, March 15, 2015 at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital, Petosky, Michigan. James was born in St. Ignace, Michigan, November 4, 1944, son of the late James and Elsie (Nee: Shimkovitz) Sayles.

Jim was a graduate of Rudyard High School, Michigan. He proudly served in the United States Navy. On October 22, 1988 he was united in marriage to Kathy Pfeilstifter. He was employed for many years as State Park Ranger of Michigan Department of Natural Resources. He was a member of St. Richard Catholic Church, V.F.W., and the Moose Lodge. An avid outdoorsman, Jim enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Survivors include his loving wife of twenty-six years, Kathy; his children, Katlynn Sayles (fiancé, Nathaniel Cartagena) of Gurnee, IL, Sarah (Jeff) Bedggood of St. Marys, Ontario; his granddaughter, Sylvie; sisters and brothers, Joyce (Conrad) Captain, Michael Sayles, Veronica Sayles, Debra Ferguson, Gary Sayles, David Sayles, Leroy (Lisa) Sayles, Steve (Vicky) Sayles, Mary (Mike) Nixon, Ceceilia “Sissy” (Matt) Matson, Cheryl (Paul) Amacher; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Donna LaVassor, Joann Kovac, David Pfeilstifter; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph (Catherine) Pfeilstifter; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Clayton Kovac, Roger LaVassor, Jane Pfeilstifter, Sonya Sayles.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Wednesday, April 15, 2015, 5:00 P.M. at St. Richard Catholic Church, 1503 Grand Avenue, with Rev. Ron Gramza officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Wednesday from 4:00 P.M. until time of Mass at 5:00 P.M. Memorials to the Humane Society have been suggested.