James Richard Longcore

January 18, 1935 - October 10, 2019

TRAVERSE CITY – James R. Longcore, 84, of Traverse City passed away on October 10, 2019 at his home with his family by his side. Jim was born on January 18, 1935 in Traverse City to the late Ralph and Olive V. (Seaburg) Longcore. Jim honorably served our country as a member of the United States Army from 1954 to 1956. On November 24, 1962 Jim married Miriam T. “Mim” Nylen. After Jim graduated from Northern Michigan University, they moved and settled in Traverse City. They had one daughter, Karen. Jim was a proud alumnus of Northern Michigan College and Northern Michigan University, where he was inspired to teach others. After graduation, Jim became a history teacher for Elk Rapids Public Schools. In his free time, Jim enjoyed anything that involved his four grandchildren, Nick, Keanen, Josh and Mary. He loved attending MSU football games at Spartan Stadium, hunting out west with is friend Chuck, and traveling to Florida, Arizona and Europe with Mim. Mostly, he cherished spending time with his family and friends, and working in his vineyard. Jim is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mim; daughter Karen (Steve) Armour; grandchildren Nicholas, Keanen, Joshua and Mary; siblings Marilyn (Bob) Schneider, Gary (Ellen) Longcore, Lorraine (Richard) Hominga, Barbara Grosmark, Sally Viskochil; and sister-in-law, Diane Longcore. He was preceded in death by his brother Robert Longcore and brothers-in-law, David Viskochil and Jay Grosmark. The family is planning a celebration of Jim’s life next summer 2020. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Olive V. Longcore Memorial Scholarship at NMUC, or to Munson Hospice.