James Lee Embree

James (Jim) Lee Embree passed away on April 14th, 2013 at the age of 66 following an 8-month battle with esophageal cancer. He was at his home in Northville, Michigan surrounded by family. He spent the last 8 months imparting wisdom and expressing love to those around him. He fought a brave battle without complaint or resentment. He was born to Arnold and Roberta Lee (Stanley) Embree on November 28, 1946 in St. Joseph, Missouri. Jim received his undergraduate degree in history from the University of Michigan ('69) and his MBA ('74) and MS of Accounting ('77) from Eastern Michigan University. He proudly enlisted to serve his country in the US Marine Corps, completed a tour of duty in Okinawa, Japan and was honorably discharged as a 1st Lieutenant on November 1, 1972. He was united in marriage to the love of his life Carolyn G. Ohst on June 14, 1975 and they spent 40 cherished years together. His career at Comerica Bank spanned 37 years and culminated in 2011 as a Senior Vice President in the Special Assets Group. After retirement, Jim became a Managing Director with Conway MacKenzie. He is remembered for his work ethic, his intellect, and his natural leadership abilities. Jim was a member of Walnut Creek Country Club in South Lyon, Michigan as well as Cascade Hills Country Club in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was an avid golfer, hunter, and fisherman. He and his brother, Steve, enjoyed annual hunting and fishing trips with Jim's son and both their son-in-laws. He was a voracious reader, an inspirational speaker, and a loving, encouraging, and a generous provider. He was a lover of history, politics, and a deeply spiritual man. Jim's doctrine was as follows: "God is the creative force in the Universe, animated by Love, leavened by forgiveness and Revealed in Jesus Christ." - James Lee Embree He is survived by his wife Carolyn, his children Jennifer (Sam) Stover and Joshua (Lindsay) Embree, and his brother Steve (Carolyn) Embree. Jim was known as "Poppy" to his two beautiful granddaughters, Everleigh Alexandra Stover (3-years-old) and Brynn Embree Stover (10-months-old). He was preceded in death by his parents and his two beloved hunting dogs Max and Jake. Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 17th and Thursday April 18th, 2013 from 5-8pm at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap Street, Northville, MI 48167. A Masonic Ritual will be held on April 17th, 2013 at 7pm. The funeral service will be held Friday, April 19, 2013 at 1pm, with visitation beginning at Noon at the First Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 4001 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. Memorial contributions can be sent to the Esophageal Cancer Awareness Association, PO Box 55071#15530, Boston, MA 02205.