James Lee McQuiston

James Lee (“Jimmie”) McQuiston, 78, went to his Heavenly Father, on Monday, July 15, 2013, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 A.M., Saturday, July 20, 2013, at Calvary Bible Church, 3300 Territorial Road, Benton Harbor, with Mr. Norm Crawford officiating. A luncheon will be offered immediately following the service. All friends and family are welcome. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice at Home. Those wishing to sign Jimmie’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Jimmie was born January 22, 1935, in Nashville, Tennessee to Moreal & Berdie McQuiston. He attended Farley Elementary School in Farley, Alabama until the 5th grade, at which time he went to work to help support his mother and siblings. Jimmie and his wife, the former Barbara Masters, have been together for more than 50 years and live in Benton Harbor. At the age of 16, Jimmie moved to Chicago and began employment in the boiler works. He worked as a boilermaker for more than 35 years with Banner Boiler Construction Company, retiring in 1992 after more than 40 years of service. After retirement, Jimmie enjoyed many years of fishing and hunting on his property, as well as several local inland lakes and woods. He also enjoyed welding (his lifelong profession and passion.) He could weld anything and would say to anyone needing something repaired or built, “If it can be welded, I can build it.” Jimmie loved tinkering in his barn on tractors and old cars and attending auctions and flea markets whenever possible. Jimmie was an avid collector of guns and many things eclectic. He enjoyed going to Flywheelers every year and spending time at the family’s cottage in Ludington. Jimmie especially loved Sunday dinners and playing poker with his grandsons, who are now cardsharks because of their Pa! Jimmie loved his family and loved his home. He was ready to give a helping hand to those who needed it. Jimmie taught his son and grandsons about fishing and hunting and playing cards. He was loved dearly and will be greatly missed. Jimmie is survived by his wife Barbara; five daughters – Linda (Dan) Reynolds of Pembroke Pines, FL; Donna (Mike) Miller of Davey, FL; Kathy (Armando) Cueto of Pembroke Pines, FL; LeeAnna McQuiston of Benton Harbor, MI; Samantha (Scott) Droskie of Benton Harbor, MI; one son – James McQuiston, Jr. of Benton Harbor, MI; two sisters – Betty Jo Thurman of Waukegan, IL and Berdie Ann Blackwood of New Hope, AL; two brothers – Moreal Lanier of New Hope, AL and Donny Lanier of Owens Cross Roads, AL; nine grandchildren – Mindy (Bryan) Vasser; Matthew (Danielle) Reynolds; Kenny McQuiston; Armando Cueto, Jr.; Bradley Cueto; Katelynn Miller; Caleb Wendzel; Michael Droske; James Droskie; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and several siblings.