James E. Kent

James E. Kent was a man of strength and character. His sense of responsibility was born of the land that he cultivated and called “home.” He was practical and hardworking, generous and good-natured. He never said “no” and readily made himself available to family and friends alike. His salt-of-the-earth virtues continue to flavor the lives of those who call him father and grandfather.

James Earl was born January 9, 1929 to Walter and Marion (Page) Kent on the Watson Township (Michigan) farmhouse that remains in the family to this day. Several months later, the U.S. stock market crashed and countries around the world experienced long years of scarcity. Farm families fared somewhat better, because they were self-sufficient enough to provide the basics of life. Jim and his older brother Page and younger sister Esther grew up doing farm chores that developed the lifelong values of hard work and responsibility.

For his elementary education, Jim attended local township schools and then graduated from Martin High School. Hobbies and extracurricular activities were few to none, because Jim was always busy on the farm. In adulthood, he chose beef and crop farming for his livelihood, yet the taxing work was made sweeter when he met the love of his life.

Jim was introduced to Carole Mauchmar when his sister Esther married Haldon Mauchmar, Carole’s brother. From the moment Carole caught Jim’s eye, the two made an instant connection. Their friendship blossomed into love and commitment, and the couple married on August 1, 1953. Five children were born to them—Phillip, Steven, Walter, Kristine and Curt—all growing up on the homestead.

Rarely do farmers take a break from farming for even a few days, but Jim did. In fact, he spent 15 years working for Gibson Guitar in Kalamazoo, where he helped build an inventory of highly collectable Goodwin guitars. When the company closed its doors, Jim retired from sales and returned to farming.

Jim made the most of farm life by the friends he kept and the places he visited. Numerous hours were spent playing cards with good friends or adding to his sizable ball cap collection. He and Carole enjoyed traveling, especially to the Florida Keys or out west. Heading to the Grand Canyon, they made stops at the casinos in Las Vegas because Jim liked to play the penny slot machines.

Well into his 80s, Jim worked his daily chores and walked the fences to ensure that no cows could escape. Within the last few years, he officially retired only when the last of the cows were sold. Even when his health began to decline, Jim was active and still going strong until a few days prior to his death. An infection set in that his body just couldn’t fight, yet Jim’s spirit remained steadfast. In truth, “the lyrics to the song He’s Strong by Will Hoge described him perfectly,” said his family.

James E. Kent, age 85 and a lifelong resident of Watson Township, Michigan passed away on Friday August 15, 2014 at his home with his family around him.

Visit with his family on Sunday August 17th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Life Story Funeral Homes, Plainwell; 120 S. Woodhams (269-685-5881). A graveside service will be held at Hicks Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. on Monday August 18th. Jim was preceded in death by his wife Carole in 2004, his son Curt in 2010 and his brother Page. He is survived by his children Phillip (Cindi) Kent, Steven Kent, Walter (Dawn) Kent and Kris (Bill) McLaughlin, 15 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, his sister Esther (Haldon) Mauchmar as well as many other relatives. Visit Jim’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read his complete life story and sign his guest book. Memorial donations may be made to the Allegan County Humane Society.