James Sell

Jim Sell, of Plainwell, passed away peacefully at his home on December 28, 2014. Jim was born to James A. & Pauline H. (Cleland) Sell on August 5, 1931. Jim graduated from Holland High School and Hope College. He achieved the honor of Eagle Scout during high school. He attended Weber State while serving in the United States Air Force where he served his country proudly during the Korean conflict. Jim also attended the University of Michigan starting out in the pharmacy program but switching to his true passion of dentistry. He graduated from U of M in 1960 with a D.D.S. degree. His first dental practice was in Kalamazoo but later he moved his practice to Plainwell, where he chose to plant his roots and raise his family. He practiced dentistry for 35 years. Despite being a dentist he had quite the sweet tooth. Jim was an avid University of Michigan fan. As a 40 year season ticket holder you knew where he was on football Saturdays. He also was known to enjoy a beer or two. Jim enjoyed watching the Detroit Tigers and Chicago Cubs –the “cubbies” as he would call them. Jim taught Sunday school, was involved in youth group and sang in the choir at his church. He was faithful to his God, his family and his community. Jim lived for his wife a.k.a. “Mrs. Brown”, children, grandchildren and great grandson. He sang in several quartets including the “Lucky Chances” and was associated with the SPEBSQSA (Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America). Jim participated in the Music Man at the Civic Theatre in Kalamazoo, MI. He served as president for 8 years on the Plainwell School Board and he was involved in the Plainwell Rotary and Kalamazoo Kiwanis Club. He also officiated high school football. Jim enjoyed traveling. He spent many winters in Florida and was blessed to travel throughout Europe. He loved taking the R.V. on many road trips. Recently, the entire family was able to celebrate Jim and Evie’s 60th wedding anniversary with a wonderful trip to Jamaica. Jim enjoyed sailing, golfing, downhill skiing, tennis, ping pong, cribbage, chess and three card poker. Jim’s family includes his wife of 61 years, Evie; his children: Nancy (Tim) Worrell, Jan (Mike) Sell-Kimble, Susan (Jack) Pell; six grandchildren: Jami, Emily (Josh), Elizabeth, Meghan, Grant and Brooke and one great grandchild, Caiden; two sisters: Nancy Kuiken and Diane Gott as well as many nieces and nephews. Memorial contributions can be made to Christian Neighbors and Wounded Warriors. A celebration of life memorial service is being planned for the spring. The family is being served by Life Story Funeral Home – Plainwell (269 685-5881). Please visit Jim’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com . GO BLUE!

Visit with his family and friends on Saturday, May 30, 2015 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church; 200 Park Street, Plainwell. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m.