C. James Maturen (known to everyone as Jim) passed away on Thursday, August 21, at his home in Reed City at the age of 90. Jim was a loving spouse to Romaine and had just celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary, a brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, a great friend to many, and a tireless fighter for environmental conservation.

He grew up in Essexville, MI, as a child of Doris and Clarence Maturen, one of the last commercial fishermen on Saginaw Bay, where he witnessed at an early age the assault on our environment. When fishing for fun, he would smell the mouths of bay-caught Walleye and toss back those reeking of chemicals, an early lesson that shaped him into a lifelong environmentalist. He spent the first 32 years of his career protecting Michiganders as a Michigan State Trooper in Romeo and Petoskey in the 1960s and 70s, and then at the Reed City post until his retirement as Sergeant in 1989. But that’s when his life’s work was to begin. He founded the Michigan Wild Turkey Hunters Association and, for decades, worked to restore habitat for these majestic birds. His stewardship brought them back to thrive in Michigan. He inspired generations of schoolchildren by teaching about the call of the wild turkey and their habitat in frequent visits to local public schools. His life in public service continued when he was elected four times as Osceola County Commissioner. He worked to secure recycling services, enhance waste management, and provide services for Osceola County’s elderly. He served for decades on the Michigan Resource Stewards board.

Many know Jim by his radio handle as “North Shore,” as he captained his 16’ 1970s aluminum fishing boat for over 50 years on “The Big Lake” off the point in Ludington. He earned several awards for his work to protect the environment, including the Osceola-Lake and Mecosta Conservation Districts’ Conservationist of the Year, Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council’s esteemed Clarence Kroupa Award, and, most recently, the Michigan Outdoor News 2021 Person of the Year.

His longest-lasting battle was his work to protect Michigan from destructive water withdrawals by mega-corporations. He successfully engaged in a fight to protect water resources in Reed City. He worked alongside the nonprofit, Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation (MCWC), where he served on its board of directors to protect and restore the Muskegon River watershed.

A steadfast friend to many, his 50-year-long weekly playing card and bowling nights with the boys were legendary. He was always quick to lend a hand, dispense advice, and indulging friends, new and old, hosting countless fishing and hunting trips. His support of the nonprofits working to protect the environment includes the great work at FLOW (now Flow Water Advocates), MCWC, and Michigan Environmental Council.

Perhaps his overarching mission was against what he called ‘AISI’—Apathy, Ignorance, and Self-Interest—as he sought to stem the degradation of his beloved Michigan ecosystem. He painfully mourned the skies once black with birds in flight, and the teeming Great Lakes fisheries of his youth. His life’s work was to protect Michigan for his grandchildren, whom he loved dearly, and for all grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Romaine; his brother, David Maturen, and his wife, Nancy, in Vicksburg; his children, Sherry Maturen in Traverse City; his daughter, Renee Latka, and her spouse, Bill, also in Traverse City; and Brian Maturen and his spouse, Connie, in Cadillac. He leaves behind a better world for his beloved grandchildren, Justin, Kendall, Emilie, Alyssa, Brianna, Chase, and Parker, and his great-grandchildren, Nate and Zoella.

Rest in power, Jim. You were the real deal and will be dearly missed.

Per Jim’s wishes, the family will hold a private memorial service in the coming weeks.