James S. Peoples

ESCANABA — James S. Peoples, of Escanaba, passed away early Wednesday morning, November 25, 2020 on his 87th birthday at Lakeview Assisted Living of natural causes with his family by his side. James was born on November 25, 1933 in Gladstone, MI, the son of George and Edna (Grimsly) Peoples. He was raised and attended school in Gladstone and was a 1952 graduate of Gladstone High School. Following graduation, James enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served his country for 4 years until he was honorably discharged. James Peoples married the former Judy Erickson on October 22, 1960 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Escanaba. The couple recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. James was employed at Harnischfeger Corporation in Escanaba in the parts room (warehouse) until the company closed and his retirement in 1983. He was a longtime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Escanaba, a member of the Gladstone American Legion Post 71, and was a union member of the UAW. James greatly enjoyed spending time outdoors – especially hunting and being at camp. He loved his house, caring for his yard, and had the greenest grass on the block. James also loved working in his garage and sitting on his front porch at 636 North 18th Street. One would often see him waving to each car that passed by. He enjoyed watching western movies, was all about cowboys, and was a big John Wayne fan. James and Judy loved their simple and old-school way of living, and did everything together in their 60 years of marriage. The only time they spent apart was when he went to hunting camp with his life-long friends at both “Camp Possum” and “Camp Top-O-Hill” in Brampton. James loved living in Escanaba and enjoyed residing in their home for 58 years.