James Lee Kingsbury, known to many as Jim, entered the presence of his Savior, Jesus, on November 21, 2025, at the age of 87 where he was surrounded by family and friends at Corewell Health Hospital in Reed City. 

Jim was born on December 14, 1937, in Flint, Michigan, to Ceryl and Irene Kingsbury. 

On March 26, 1960, Jim married the love of his life, Rogena Cadle, after meeting on a blind date in Henpeck, Michigan—a story he loved to share, always with a smile. Together, they enjoyed 55 years of marriage, raising a family and building a life marked by love, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Jim remarried in 2016, joining his life with Teresa Peterson on October 15, bringing joy and companionship into his later years. 

A 1956 graduate of Reed City High School, Jim was a proud athlete who played football, basketball, and track. When not competing, he could often be found at the Reed City Bowl, setting pins on two alleys at once. After high school, he attended the Flint Institute of Barbering, earning a reputation for his exceptional flat tops. Over the next six decades, he continued cutting hair—at the Osceola Inn, the Captain’s Chair downtown, and eventually in the barbershop he installed in his home—all while working full-time jobs. 

Jim was a man of many talents and an even stronger work ethic. He worked at Larson’s Car Lot in Clio, Buick, Gardner-Denver, Tubelite, and Royal Greenhouse. He later served as an aluminum fabricator at Alu Fab. Through every role, he approached his work with diligence, humility, and pride. 

A true outdoorsman, Jim loved fishing, hunting, tying flies, loading ammunition, and never missed the chance to watch a football game. Go Lions! He nurtured beautiful roses and crafted many prized creations in his workshop, even learning to turn bowls on a lathe. And he was always ready for a good game of cribbage or euchre. 

History fascinated him, especially Scripture. He often reflected on Psalm 22:16, “they pierced my hands and my feet,” finding deep meaning in its prophetic words written a thousand years before Christ’s birth. Throughout his life, Jim was also a devoted friend to the many dogs—14 in total—who were blessed to be by his side. He loved them all with gentleness and kindness. 

Jim served his country proudly as a member of the Michigan Army National Guard, retiring after 25 years. He was also a faithful member of the Reed City Church of the Nazarene, participating in Men’s Bible Study and joyfully serving with the Shepherd’s Table. 

Jim is lovingly remembered and survived by his wife, Teresa; children, Lynda (Troy) Bowling and Gary (Lesa) Kingsbury; stepchildren; Tamara (Kim) Holladay, Steven Hansen, Angela (Curt) Rotter, Gerald (Jessica) Peters, and Ernest (Samantha) Pedersen; grandchildren Kati (Aaron) Mora, Craig (Mary) Bowling, Staci (Austin) Gillett, Andrew Kingsbury, Jennifer (Mike) Besaw, and Jennifer Galey; step-grandchildren; Harbor 

(Alan) Acosta, Nova Hansen, Grace, Olivia, and Dominic Rotter; Owen and Thea Peters; and great-grandchildren Elijah, Benjamin, Carley, and Sienna Mora, Ford and Henrik Bowling, Emerson, Natalie, and Caroline Gillett, Maddox Besaw; Bennett Galey, and Vinnie Jackson. 

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Gary and Tom Kingsbury; his first wife, Rogena Kingsbury; great-granddaughter Giovanna Gillett; and nephew Chad Kingsbury. 

A visitation will be held on December 7, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 1:00 p.m. at the Reed City Church of the Nazarene. A luncheon will follow the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Reed City Church of the Nazarene Shepherd’s Table in Jim’s honor. 

Jim lived a life marked by faith, hard work, loyal friendship, and love for his family. His legacy will continue in the countless lives he touched.