James D. Mallery

J. D. passed away Tuesday, February 25, 2020, quietly at home after a lengthy illness with Pulmonary Fibrosis. He was at peace with fond memories of family on his mind.
He was born September 8, 1942, to Hilda (Schultz) Mallery and Earl Mallery and grew into adulthood in Merrill, Michigan. He attended Merrill High School where he excelled in athletics and graduated with honors in 1960. He furthered his education by graduating with honors from Central Michigan University in 1964. He married his best friend and high school sweetheart (Patricia White) while attending the university in 1961, and together they enjoyed 58 years of marriage. J. D. was employed by the General Motors Corporation for a total of 32 years. The first 19 years for his beloved Chevrolet. He worked as the Personnel Director at six GM plants in Saginaw, Bay City and Adrian, Michigan and as the Director or Labor Relations and Salaried Personnel for the Central Foundry Division. The final four years of his General Motors career concluded with his appointment to the General Motors Corporate Staff. Throughout his entire career and 25 years of retirement, he remained steadfastly loyal to General Motors. Along with his wife Pat, J. D. was active and fondly known as, “The Lamp Man,” at the Antique Warehouse of Saginaw before and after his retirement. J. D. was involved with the United Way in Saginaw, Bay and Lenawee Counties, was a charter member of the committee that established Bay County Rehabilitation Industries, Inc. (New Dimensions) and served as the President of the Board before transferring to the Chevrolet Adrian Manufacturing Plant. He also served as the Secretary of the Board for the Friendship House of Bay City, as well as sitting on the Red Cross Board of Directors in Lenawee County. He was also the President of the Chamber of Commerce for Lenawee County. J. D. most enjoyed time with family and friends. Family gatherings around the fire and/or deck at their cottage on Secord Lake, fishing trips to Canada with his brothers, as well as the majority of November’s spent at the Malson Hunt Club in quest of the elusive 10 Point. J.D. was committed to the achievement of his ultimate goal to have each of his children and grandchildren have the opportunity to attend college and graduate debt free.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Pat, two daughters Ann (Matt) Jacob of Saginaw, Michigan, Pam (Eric) Cecava of Port Huron, Michigan and son James (Stephanie) Mallery of Vicksburg, Michigan. Six grandchildren, Mallery and Madison Jacob, Drew (Erika), Lucas and Cole Mallery, and Mason Cecava were all blessed by their grandfather who was so proud of each of them. He is also survived by three brothers, Gerald of Merrill, Michigan, George (Carlyn) of Midland, Michigan and Lester (Jane) of Homer, Michigan and one sister, Marcelene (Bill) Darland of Royal Oak, Michigan. He was predeceased by his parents, Hilda and Earl Mallery and his in-laws, Richard and Betty White and sister in-law Wanda.
J. D. was cremated per his request. A memorial service take place at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Rd. Mrs. Sharon Wahl will officiate. Friends may visit with the family at the funeral chapel on Friday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. and again on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial service. The family asks that in lieu of flowers consideration be given to J.D.'s favorite charity of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Covenant VNA Hospice or an organization focused on bettering the lives of individuals.