ESCH - LT. JAMES C. ESCH, United States Navy Pilot and World War II veteran, passed away on July 30, 2003 after a long battle with cancer. James was born November 2, 1920 in Grand Rapids to EDWARD and LOUIS[E] (SCHMIDT) ESCH. He attended school in Grand Rapids and graduated from Grand Rapids Catholic Central. Jim was a Navy Pilot for 14 years (1942-1956), serving in both World War II and the Korean Conflict and was awarded the Silver Star for his actions. On August 13, 1952 in Virginia Beach, VA he wed WILMA EDWARDS and she survives him. Together they owned and operated the Luke Corners Country Store from 1957 to 1978.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, EDWARD ESCH and his sister, JUANITA SCHINDLER. In addition to his wife, WILMA, he is survived by his children, MARY BETH (DAN) BUDZYNSKI of Salt Lake City, UT, STEPHEN (JILL) ESCH of St. Paul, MN and EDWARD (LUCILLE) ESCH of Grand Rapids; his grandchildren, NICOLE and ERIC BUDZYNSKI and JORDAN ESCH; his brothers, LOUIS (MARIANNE) ESCH of Scotia, NY and REV. JOSEPH PETTIT of Grand Rapids; his sister, ROBERTA CENTILLA of Kalamazoo and his sister-in-law, LENORE ESCH of Grand Haven.

A memorial service will be held for Mr. ESCH at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2003 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Grand Rapids, where he was a former member. The family will meet with friends at the Stephens Funeral Chapel in Scottville on Friday, August 8 from 3 to 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to the Sauble/Eden/Elk Townships Fire Department or the American Cancer Society. Envelopes will be available at the Stephens Funeral Chapel and at the church.

THE GRAND RAPIDS PRESS, Grand Rapids, Mich., Sat., August 2, 2003, Pg. D4, Col. 2, Obit. 3

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