James Michael McNellis

James Michael McNellis, 1939 - 2016. Mike was born in Chicago, son of John and Marie McNellis. He received his masters from Western Michigan University and worked as an elementary school teacher for many years in Bloomingdale, MI and other communities in Southwestern MI. Mike was active in the MEA and negotiated numerous teacher contracts in Bloomingdale. Mike was an avid sportsman. He loved hunting and fishing, bowling, softball and basketball. He spent many hours fishing on the big lake and was active in the Michigan Steelheaders. Mike suffered a severe automobile accident in 1989. He spent 27 years at Progressive Alternatives adult foster care home, well-loved there by Kim Nolan as well as many others.
Mike is survived by his brothers, John (Penny) of Paw Paw, MI , Bill (Joan) of Savanah, GA, his sister Pat Tokeshi (Frank)of West Covina, CA, a son Chris of Manistee, MI, a daughter Tracy and grandchild Bryce of Goshen, IN, and Mike's longtime friend Andy Pelt of Paw Paw, MI.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Mike's life will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home, 502 W Michigan Ave., Paw Paw. A reception will follow at La Cantina restaurant, Paw Paw. Memorial contributions in Mike's name may be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.