James Joseph Etchill

James Joseph Etchill, age 90 of Brownstown, passed away Saturday, April 23 in his home. Born September 15, 1931, in Wyandotte, James was the son of Bernard and Dorothy (Prickett) Etchill. He married the love of his life, Mildred Zanoni, on December 26, 1950, most recently celebrating 71 years of a happy and love-filled marriage. James worked as an Electrician at Great Lakes Steel for over 40 years, retiring in 1988. Jim and Millie were parishioners of St. Mary's in Rockwood for over 65 years, including prioritizing Catholic schooling for their ten children. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, beekeeping, gardening, wildlife, bird watching, and farming at their second home in Jonesville. Last summer's garden included his 80+ tomato plants, a variety of hot peppers, zucchini, green and red peppers, and so much more. It brought him joy to bring fresh vegetables to those who crossed his path - family, friends, neighbors, doctor's offices, and anyone else he met, always with his life's soulmate, Millie, by his side. Jim and Millie spent the most treasured parts of their last 70 years loving and caring for their ten children, including every new addition, as the family expanded over the years. The family's mantra has long been "All Because Two People Fell in Love", out of love and respect for Jim's family legacy. Jim leaves his family with too many traditions to count. Some favorites are transitioning the family farm to "deer camp" each hunting season, the annual family Christmas celebration of nearly 100+ family members in attendance, and enjoying a home cooked meal with his children around the table. James leaves to cherish his memory, Mildred; children: James (Chris) Etchill, Thomas (Deborah) Etchill, Kathryn Caso, Janet (Charles) Pugno, Joann (Mark) Bomia, John (Mary) Etchill, Marianne (Mark) Langlois, Karen (Victor) Roman, Gregory (Ning Jin) Etchill and Lori (Edward) Vogel; 30 grandchildren, 59 great grandchildren and a niece Reneé Etchill-Pickett. Sadly, he was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Robert Etchill; sister-in-law Marlene Etchill and a son-in-law Joseph Caso. A celebration of James’ life was planned under the care of the Ford Chapel-Martenson Family of Funeral Homes, 23620 N. Huron River Dr., Rockwood. For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit www.martenson.com