James B. Breithaupt

James "Jim" B. Breithaupt, 77, of Buckley, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2022 surrounded by his loving wife and family.

He was born in Traverse City on November 27, 1945 to James and E. Gladys (Stanislawski) Breithaupt.
On August 28, 1965 he married the love of his life, Arvena (Spoor). They spent the next 57 years raising their 4 children, working their family farm, and being involved in the lives of their 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Jim was a member of the Grant United Methodist Church and was very involved with the Buckley Old Engine Show. He was active in the Grant Township Planning Commission and the Michigan Draft Horse and Mule Association.

One of Jim's greatest joys in life was his Belgian draft horses. He enjoyed taking his horses to several parades including the National Cherry Festival, the Buckley Memorial Day Parade and the Manistee Sleighbell Parade where he had the honor of bringing Santa into town on his sleigh. He loved taking his horses to the N.W.M. Fair where he gave numerous wagon rides and won countless ribbons and awards. Jim was the Grand Marshall at the Buckley Old Engine Show where he enjoyed demonstrating his horse powered baler. He took great pride in being one of the founding members of the first Old Engine Show.

In addition to working his family farm he also operated many types of heavy equipment and drove commercial trucks including gravel trains, gas tankers and more. He was very proud to let everyone know he could back a gravel train into any spot it was needed.

Jim took great pride in his family, instilling family values and a hard work ethic. He often bragged how proud he was of them and joked "my kids got their good looks from me." He enjoyed being surrounded by his family at birthday parties, holidays and the annual family camping trip.

Left to carry his legacy forward is his beloved wife Arvena; children Dawn (Scott) Rector, Denise Ramsay, Matt (Crystal) Breithaupt and Marsha (Matt) Maratea; grandchildren Kyle (Autumn), Jaimee (Ryan), Miranda (Zack), Bryan, Jake, Nora, Megan, Ty, Ella, Coy and Parker and honorary granddaughter Jenny, from Leipzig, Germany; great-grandchildren Clark, Calla, Everett, Grant and LeAnn; sisters Phyllis Breithaupt and Carolyn (Sonny) Gutzka, brother-in-law Larry Biedron; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Sharon Biedron.

Visitation will take place Friday, December 9, from 4-7 PM at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City. Family and friends are invited to Jim's Funeral Service at 11 AM Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022, at Grant United Methodist Church in Buckley, MI. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Luncheon to follow at the Grant Township Hall, 8989 Davis Road, Buckley, MI 49620.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Grant United Methodist Church, PO Box 454, Interlochen, MI 49643.

Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services is caring for Jim and his family, www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com