James 'Jim' A. Wolstencroft, 78, of Traverse City passed away Sunday, July 8, 2018 at Munson Medical Center.

He was born in Detroit, MI to Alfred (Bus) and Roberta (Smith) Wolstencroft on March 9, 1940. Jim married Barbara Liinanki on November 2, 1963 in Farmington Hills, MI.

After raising their children in Dearborn Heights, Jim and Barb moved to Traverse City to help open Hudson's at the Grand Traverse Mall. This allowed them their dream of small town living, plus being close to large bodies of water. Jim retired from Hudson's Department Store after 38 years of service. He also spent four years in the United States Air Force, which he was very proud of.

Jim was most proud of his family and was known for a big heart and had a great sense of humor. Jim especially loved animals and was always an owner of a dog or two, plus a special cat that stole his heart. He loved to sing his favorite rock-n-roll songs.

Jim 'adopted' his wife's hometown in the Copper Country as his own. All the family's vacations were spent in the U.P. At one time Jim co-owned a hunting camp, but actually did not like to hunt. He loved the woods and creek nearby and would sleep in a clearing under the stars. Mackinac Island was a very special place Jim and Barb loved to visit.

He was predeceased by both parents, a sister Linda Siebert; brothers-in-law Dr. Wm.
Siebert and Tom Murphy.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years Barbara (Liinanki) Wolstencroft, daughter Laura (Harry) Wright; sons James R. (Casey) Wolstencroft and David (Pauline) Wolstencroft; sister Beverly Murphy; brothers-in-law Bob Holappa and John Linnanki; five grandchildren, Alex, Tyler Vanessa, Hannah and Lucas Wolstencroft; seven step-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, July 20, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. at the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI.

Those wishing an expression of sympathy are encouraged to direct contributions to the American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674.