James Russell Trout, age 80, of Onekama, Michigan, died peacefully at his home on November 16, 2023.

Jim (James) was born on October 9, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois. He was the son of James Marvin Trout and Virginia Woodard Trout. Growing up in Park Forest (Illinois), he graduated from Rich East High School, and went on to Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois, where he received both a bachelor's and master's degree.

Jim married Alaina Morris of Ionia, Michigan in 1973, moved to Michigan, then settled in Grand Rapids, Michigan where they raised two sons, James M. Trout and Thomas R. Trout. Jim was extremely proud of his two sons. Dr. James Trout is an emergency room pharmacist at Spectrum Hospital in Grand Rapids, and Tom is the principal of Nickels Intermediate School in Byron Center, Michigan. Jim's grandchildren also brought great joy to him, as he spent a great deal of his time loving, guiding, and teaching them.

Jim worked for the Michigan Department of Corrections for 25 years at the Michigan Training Unit in Ionia, Michigan. He started as a Recreation Director, was promoted to Deputy Warden, then finished as School Principal for the remaining 10 years of his career. At retirement, Jim and Alaina moved to Onekama, Michigan, where they built two homes with his great store of artistic creativity and skill. The second home, Longview, is most remarkable, with his signature skill and appreciation for beauty and function evident in every inch of the beautiful home. Jim also served on the Onekama Planning Commission as well as ZBA Board of Appeals.

Jim is survived by his wife, Alaina Trout; their children Dr. James (Maryam) Trout, Thomas (Susanne) Trout; sister Deborah (Fr. James) Conyers; grandchildren Sofia Trout, Jay Trout, Ethan Trout, Shamus Trout, and Oscar Trout; nieces Melissa Foster and Laura Foster.

A memorial gathering will take place on Friday, November 24, 2023, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at Oak Grove Funeral Home, 309 West Parkdale Ave. Manistee, MI 49660, followed by a funeral service officiated by Fr. James Conyers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Please visit James' personal page of memories at www.oakgrovefh.com to share a photo or story. Arrangements by Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Manistee.