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BRADENTON, Fla. - James Leo Archambeau, 75, passed away at his winter home in Bradenton, Florida early Thursday morning, June 2, 2009. He was born on April 14, 1934, in Baraga, the son of Leo J. and Margaret M. (Ellinich) Archambeau. James graduated from Baraga High School.

James served in the National Guard for nine years.

Employed with the Michigan Department of Transportation, James retired as a Foreman in 1984, after 32 years.

On June 6, 1959, James married the former Patricia A. Slattery at St. Ignatius Catholic Church in St. Ignace.

He was a member of St. Anthony's Church and was actively involved with the St. Vincent de Paul Society. He served as District Vice President and also was President of the St. Thomas Council of the St. Vincent de Paul Society, which he was a member of since 1965. James devoted many of his retirement years with helping the people in the community through the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

James was a member of the State Employees Retirement Association and the U.P. Gas & Steam Engine Association.

Among the survivors include his wife, Patricia of Bradenton, Fl; daughter, Susan (Brian) Cooney of Bradenton, Fl; two grandsons, Bradley J. and Dillon Cooney of Bradenton, FL; brother, Russell (Donna) Archambeau of Gladstone; sisters, Mary (George) Skuggen of Avon Lake, OH, Betty (Russell) Barger of White Pine, MI, and Ann (Kermit) Larson of Gladstone.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sons, James Patrick and Robert Leo.

Visitation will be on Monday, July 6th beginning at 4 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home in Escanaba, with parish prayers concluding the visitation at 7 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church in Wells with Rev. Rick Courier and Rev. Norm Clish concelebrating. Burial will be at Gardens of Rest Cemetery with a luncheon to immediately follow in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the St. Anthony's Church window fund. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the Archambeau family with services.