James R. McNabb

December 23, 1928 - September 27, 2019

James Robert McNabb of Traverse City MI entered into eternal life on Friday, September 27, 2019 while at home with his family. He was 90 years old. Jim was born in Dayton, OH on December 23, 1928, but grew up in Lake Leelanau with his mother Agnes, brother Bill, and his aunts and uncles on the farm. He attended Lake Leelanau St. Mary’s, then moved to Traverse City and finished high school at St. Francis, graduating with the class of 1947. Even though Jim was a farmer at heart, he served our country in the Air Force during the Korean War. He attended Ferris Institute (Ferris State University) on the GI bill, graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting. During college, he came home to visit family when he met the love of his life, Marcella Bussey of Lake Leelanau. They married in 1955. Together, Jim and Marcie had seven beautiful children, 15 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. Jim was a devout Catholic who gave much of his life to the church at his home parish of St. Francis. He served as a Eucharistic minister, usher, and lector, and taught RCIA classes for new Catholics. He brought Holy Communion to the elderly and infirm, lifting their spirits with his sense of humor. Jim lived a truly authentic Christian life, giving of himself without thought of return. He devoted himself to God, family, and friends in a way that impacted everyone he met. Jim was his family's rock -- he was always there to provide love, support, and God's guidance. He was the person to call no matter what you needed: a ride, a laugh, or a prayer. The legacy he leaves is unconditional love, which is lived on through his extended family. Jim is preceded in death by his mother Agnes (née Homminga), father John, brother Bill, and nephews Lewis and Vaughn McNabb; as well as his daughter-in-law Cindy McNabb. He is survived by his wife of 64 years Marcie (née Bussey), children Margie McNabb (Richard Boucher), Michael (Cindy Appleton), Steve (Kathy Westmaas), Mary Jo Harding (Scott), Annie Carnie (Lily), Judy Bugai (Alan), and Janie McNabb (Chris Wendel). His grandchildren and their spouses, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, are too numerous to name, but all were treasured by Jim. Friends are welcome to visit with Jim’s family from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 3, 2019 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth St., Traverse City, MI 49684. Jim’s family will pray the Rosary at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will take place at 1:00 p.m., with visitation starting at 12:00 noon, on Friday, October 4, 2019 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 1025 S. Union St., Traverse City, MI 49684. Rev. Fr. Donald Geyman will officiate. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to the St. Francis Capital Campaign, 1025 S. Union St., Traverse City, MI 49684. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Jim’s family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.