James "Jim" Conlon

On Saturday, June 6, 2020, James “Jim” Conlon, loving husband, father and grandfather passed away at the age of 81 surrounded by family at his lake home. Jim was born June 9, 1938 in Chicago, to the late Anthony and Mary (Ginnelly) Conlon.

He worked as a tool and die maker for General Motors; starting in the Chicagoland area in 1957 and retiring from the Kalamazoo GM plant in 1999.   Together, he and his lifelong wife, Martha (Perry) Conlon raised three children. The couple spent time in the Chicago area, at the lake in Michigan, and winters in Florida.

Jim enjoyed the simple things in life:  golfing, fishing, swimming, walking, reading, and spending time with his family and friends.  He was always the cook on the annual fishing trips to Canada and was well known for his jambalaya and his biscuits and gravy.  Jim loved the outdoors and you could often find him puttering around his yard.  He was a craftsman and used his skills to design and make unique items and personal gifts for his family. Jim will always be remembered for wearing a cap, having a bright sense of humor, and caring deeply for his family.

He is survived by his wife, Martha; children, Brian Conlon, Kevin Conlon and Caryn (Brad) Anderson; four grandchildren, James and Katherine Conlon, and Eliza and Connor Anderson. Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Mary; father, Anthony; brother, John “Jack” Conlon; sisters, Rita (Robert “Bob”) Faloona, Norajane (Phillip “Phil”) Faloona and Nancy (Daniel “Dan”) O’Sullivan.

Private cremation has taken place. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution are asked to consider the American Cancer Society in Jim’s memory.