James Floyd Slis, 77, of Lake Ann, MI passed away at his home while gardening on July 7, 2014,

Jim was born on August 15, 1936 in Kalamazoo to the late Adam and Wilma Slis. He married his college sweetheart, Geraldine Dertinger, on August 9, 1958 at St. Monica's in Kalamazoo. Jim and Gerry both graduated from Western Michigan University in 1958, with degrees in Education.They raised their children on a farm in St. Clair for 20 years and then retired to Sweet Lake in Lake Ann.

Jim was a dedicated teacher at Anchor Bay in New Baltimore, and then principal for 26 years at Lakeshore High School in St. Clair Shores. Jim was a founding member of the St. Clair Athletic Booster Club in 1980. He was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Lake Ann Lions Club, Grand Traverse Area Retired School Personnel, and Sons of the Union- Robert Finch Post #14. He was also an active volunteer at the Traverse City Visitors Center and Interlochen Center for the Arts.

He enjoyed reading, music, history and fishing, but gardening was his passion. He created a masterpiece garden at his home on Sweet Lake. Jim loved spending time with his family, grandchildren, and friends. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather who will be deeply missed by all.

Surviving Jim is his wife Gerry of 55 years, brother Seaman (Lynn) Slis, children, Susan (Bruce) Elben, Barbara (Tod) Taylor, David Slis, Robert (Sharlene) Slis, grandchildren, Cassidy, Rachel, Amanda, Mariah, Bradley, Nicole, Melissa, Aaron, special friends Mike (Jodi) Salamino, and many other loving family members and friends.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation for Jim will take place from 4-7pm on Thursday, July 10, 2014 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Traverse City. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11am on Friday, July 11 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church with a visitation beginning at 10am. The Reverend Gregory McCallum will officiate. Memorial contributions may be directed to Lake Ann Lion's Club or to The James F. Slis Scholarship Fund through The Eggleston Scholarship Foundation c/o Gloria Ehrler 7770 Phillips Drive, Algonac MI 48001.