James W. Lilly

James W. Lilly; of Oxford; age 82; passed away September 1, 2018. He was born on the Bluestone River in Lilly, West Virginia on September 21, 1935 to Gertrude and Perry Lilly.  Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Beverly; children, Michelle (Eric) Moore, Denise (Jim) Lowery, Dawn (Dave) Orbeck, Rhonda (Stan) Blomberg and David (Stephanie) Whitaker; and grandchildren, Matthew Lowery, Alyssa Lowery, Kristin Moore, Sarah (Aaron) Hough, Jonathan Orbeck, Sabrina Orbeck, Lauren (Chris) De Luca, Zachary Blomberg, Nolan Blomberg, Mitchell Blomberg, Chloe Iwaniw, Emma Iwaniw, Mason Whitaker and Chase Whitaker.  Jim is also the great grandfather of Austin Jacobs, Addyson Spaulding and Christopher De Luca; brother of Rev. Curtis (Shirley) Lilly, the late Jackie (Bill) Wolfe, the late Loye (Faye) Lilly and the late Robert Lilly; uncle of many nieces and nephews; and faithful friend of his beloved cats, Grace and Mercy.  Jim moved to Detroit with his family in a taxi cab when he was 15 years old and later worked as a Messman on the Boblo boat when he was 16.  After working various jobs he was hired at General Motors where he worked for 30 years.  For the 30 years following he enjoyed retirement.  Jim was an avid sportsman especially fishing and hunting.  He was also a loyal Detroit Tigers and Red Wings fan.  Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 6, 2018 at 12noon at Sparks-Griffin Funeral Home, Lake Orion.  The family will receive friends Thursday morning from 10am until the time of service.  Burial at Roseland Park will follow.  In lieu of flowers memorials would be greatly appreciated to the Sonlife Broadcasting Network, in care of the family, for the purchase of Bibles that are donated to poor pastors throughout the world.