James Hall Kent

It is with great sadness that we announce James Hall Kent, of Elk Rapids, Michigan, passed away on October 5, 2024. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Most of his friends called him Jim, but he was also affectionately known as “The Colonel.” He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. James was born to Herbert Knight Kent, M.D., and Alcina Edith Hall-Kent, M.D. on February 12, 1931, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He graduated from Shattuck St. Mary’s School in 1948 and went on to graduate from Michigan State University in 1952 with a Bachelor of Arts in Literature and Foreign Language. While at MSU, he was in enrolled in the ROTC and had the opportunity to study abroad in France. Following his time at MSU, he graduated from the University of Michigan in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science in Geology. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and continued to remain involved in the U.S. Army Reserve for over 30 years rising to the rank of Full Colonel. He was recognized for his selfless dedication and personal commitment to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Army Reserve, by receiving The Meritorious Service Medal. Colonel James Kent maintained a lifelong allegiance to the U.S. Army military by recruiting for West Point, which was truly rewarding for him. He received numerous letters of gratitude from those lives he impacted. James met his future bride, Diane, a beautiful and proud Canadian, on a blind date. On that date, the two canoed down the Red Cedar River and fed ducks. Numerous letters were exchanged after this date and they quickly fell in love. They were married the next summer, August 31, 1957, in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. His work as a Geologist for the State of Michigan Health Department moved his family from Lansing to Escanaba, and back to Lansing, where he and Diane raised their three children. While James was committed to his military obligations, Diane literally held down the fort at home. They were an incredible team together, and always put family first. Living in the Lansing area allowed them the opportunity to enjoy attending Michigan State University sporting events and plays at the Wharton Center. They were faithful parishioners at Saint David’s Episcopal Church and volunteered in many capacities where needed. Time with family and friends up north at their cottage on Elk Lake was treasured. James and Diane enjoyed various trips abroad with friends throughout Europe and the Mediterranean. For Diane’s 70th birthday, James planned “Kent’s Kruise” for the entire family, including grandchildren, on the Disney Cruise Ship. This was one of his favorite family memories and the greatest joy to share with the love of his life. The most challenging part of James’s life was losing Diane after her courageous battle with cancer. This was pivotal in James’s decision to move up north full-time to Elk Lake. The cottage became a refuge for him as he grieved, and then the home he never imagined was possible without Diane. He was quick to make friends with anyone he encountered near “Kent’s Kabin,” including at the library, and Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church. When his grandchildren were visiting, Grandpa Kent relished making trips to the bakery for donuts, as well as giving high-speed tubing rides on “Kent’s Kruiser” around Elk Lake. Besides boating, James had a passion for cars and could name almost every make and model. He loved playing card games and converted from Bridge to Euchre and Skip-Bo. James was an extraordinary letter writer and was generous with his compliments to lift others up when needed. His children and grandchildren’s laughter became his laughter, and he followed all of their achievements with enormous pride. He continued to travel well into his eighties, even taking grandchildren along with him to various places, including Montreal and Paris. James, Jim, aka “The Colonel,” truly led a life well-lived. He will be remembered fondly for many things including his sharp intellect, sense of duty, and immense love for his family and dear friends. James was preceded in death by his parents, and his beloved wife, Diane. He is survived by their devoted children: Susan (Michael) Miller, Alan (Mitzi) Kent, and Barbara (Jeffrey) Stump. His wonderful grandchildren include Jacqueline (Steven), Lauren, Allison Rae, Austin, Alex, Megan, Ryan (Hunter), Cole, Allison Elizabeth, and Madeline. His darling great-grandchildren are Blake and Mackenzie. His furry family friends include Maple, Dexter, Avy, Walter, Artemis, Floki, and Milo. Funeral services with full military honors will take place at 11:00 am on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church in Elk Rapids. A visitation for family and friends at the church will begin before the funeral, at 10:00 am. Graveside services will take place the following week at DeepDale Cemetery in Lansing, where he will be laid to rest beside his cherished wife, Diane. Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors, the American Heart Association, or the Cherryland Humane Society. Kindly share thoughts and memories with his family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com

James Hall Kent

February 12, 1931 - October 5, 2024