James “Jim” G. Shillinger, age 67 of Ludington passed away on Tuesday September 15, 2015 at his home with his wife by his side. Jim graciously lived with ongoing health issues since 1992 and received a kidney in February of 1994 from his wife.

He was born on June 22, 1948 in Muskegon the son of the late Jack A. and Shirley Mae (Vanderweele) Shillinger. The Shillinger’s moved to Ludington in the early 1950’s. He attended Ludington High School and graduated with the class of 1966. He served in the US Airforce, receiving an honorable discharge in 1967.

Jim married Kathleen L. Hinds on May 2, 1981 at The Sweetheart Chapel in Loveland, CO. He owned The Toggery, Shoes by Shillinger, J’s Country Store, J&K Market all in Ludington and Cascade Falls Trading Post in Loveland, Co in his younger years. He also worked as a first responder for ground water contamination in the United States for ASI/Ensight/Hadley Industries from 1985 until his illness in November of 1992.

Jim is survived by his wife Kathleen L. Shillinger; children Jay A (Sharon) Shillinger of Ludington, Lisa Marie Shillinger of Grand Rapids and their mother Jeanie (Larry) Anderson, Jared J. (Paige Fisher) Shillinger of Scottville, Kishon A (John) VanderWeele of Okemos; grandchildren, Kayleigh (Scott) Martin, Caleb and David Shillinger, Branden Miklosovic, Ashden Strickland, Jackson and Lillian Shillinger, Ava and James VanderWeele; sister, Sue Ann Stewart of Grand Rapids; nieces and nephews, Loren (Pam) Andrulis, Shannon (Dan) Thomas, Amanda Andrulis, Dr. Cory (Jessica) Stewart, brothers-in-law; Bill, Tim (Jeanie), Michael (Dana) , Daniel, and Gregory Hinds, sisters-in-law; Mary Bowne, Barbara Hinds, Ann (Barry) Schihl, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father and mother-in-law, James and Barbara Hinds; brother-in-law James (Patricia) Hinds II, and Bob Bowne.

Jim enjoyed hunting with his sons and grandchildren, grilling out with his family, he had a great sense of humor, loved to tend his garden and spend time with all of his dogs. On good days you could catch Jim singing “It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood”.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday September 19, 2015 at Oak Grove Funeral Home in Ludington with Pastor Craig Nelson officiating. The family will receive guests for visitation from 11:00 AM until the time of services and also from 6:00-8:00 PM on Friday September 18, 2015 also at Oak Grove Funeral Home. Final internment will take place at Lakeview Cemetery in Ludington.

Memorial contributions in Jim’s name may be directed to The Scottville Senior Center or Path of Life Ministries. Please feel free to share a photo or a memory with Jim’s family at www.oakgrovefh.com. The family has entrusted funeral arrangements with Oak Grove Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Ludington.

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