James Robert House

James Robert House, 63, of Midland died peacefully on March 14, 2010, surrounded by his family.

Born April 4, 1946, Jim was a long-time Midland resident. He was the son of Robert and Jeannette (Porter) House, who preceded him in death. Jim was also predeceased by his sister Kathleen (House) Rock and brother Thomas G. House. He is survived by his beloved wife of twenty-five years Anne (Smith) House, daughters Jessica (House) Brunsman and husband Ray, and Marie J. House, and sons Marine Cpl Jacob E. House and Peter J. House, as well as his sister Lucinda (House) DeVet and husband Joseph. Jim dearly loved his 3 grandchildren, 10 nieces and nephews and 21 grand-nieces and nephews and was very proud of them.

Family and faith were central in Jim's life. He has been an active member of St. Agnes Catholic Parish Community in Sanford for many years, serving among other things as a lector, music minister, and youth program volunteer. He was also a veteran of the US Army (1969-71.)

Jim graduated from Midland High School in 1964 and from Adrian College in 1968 with a degree in psychology. He later obtained an associates degree in accounting from Saginaw Valley State University. Jim has devoted the past 27 years, most recently as the CFO, to Community Mental Health for Central Michigan serving Midland, Gladwin, Clare, Osceola, Isabella and Mecosta Counties. In this role, he was instrumental in the initiation of a unique plan to establish persons with disabilities in their own homes and provide all necessary supports for their success. He was a strong advocate for innovative, person-centered financial decisions and practices in the organization. Once a course of action was set, Jim pursued it with single-minded intensity and integrity, but also with humor, creativity and compassion. His unique contributions were recognized by the "Innovative Professional Award" from The Arc of Midland in 2006.

The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Saturday March 20, 2010 from St. Agnes Catholic Church in Sanford with Fr. Dan Fox officiating. Family and friends may visit at the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home on Thursday evening from 6 to 8 on Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. A Christian Vigil service will take place Friday 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be offered to St. Agnes Church, Arc of Midland or The American Cancer Society.