James "Jim" Daniel Somers, 69, passed from this life to his eternal heavenly life on March 21, 2023, after an almost 3 yearlong battle with cancer, with his sister at his bedside. Born on February 17, 1954, in Big Rapids, Michigan, he was the son of Paul L. Somers and Reva M. Somers Sharp and stepson of William S. Sharp. Jim graduated high school from Traverse City Central High School June 8, 1972, and shortly, thereafter, began a longtime employment with Moeggenberg's Menswear in TC until they closed their business. He then worked several other retail jobs in TC, as well, for many more years. Not quite 3 yrs. before his cancer diagnosis, Jim nearly single-handedly cared for his and his sister's mother at her home in TC, for the last 3 yrs. of her life, with his sister, Paula, coming from Indiana, to help out as often as was possible. He loved being outdoors, loved puttering with things, and was, also, a longtime collector of various curious items. He was always willing to help anyone with almost anything he could. Jim especially lived his life with integrity. He had a particular fondness for dogs and cats, having had several for pets from childhood until just very recently. Notably, the last several years of his life, he took much pleasure in handing out doggie treats to many of the neighborhood dogs, always remembering each one's name, as they took their daily walks. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and stepfather, a stepbrother, and a sister, Mary Jean Brandt Zigterman, of Ohio. He is survived by his sister, Paula (Doug) Shaw, his significant other Donna M. Fox, a stepsister, a brother-in-law, Norm Zigterman, three nieces, two nephews, and several great nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Friday, March 31, from 4-7 p.m. and one hour before the service which will be on April 1, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. Cremation and burial will take place the following week. Memorials may be designated to the American Cancer Society. Kindly share thoughts and memories with his family at www.reynolds-jonkhof.com .