James Erwin

On the eve of October 17, 2012, the spirit of James Erwin, Senior departed his earthy body. Although his body succumbed to a series of medical problem, his spirit of determination is a trait that he passed on to his children. He was the definition of HARD WORK. It is also a characteristic admired by the many lives he touched and adopted by the countless many he mentored.
Mr. James was born on December 3, 1924 in Henderson, Texas from the holy union of Sellow Ervin and Ora (Lee) Ervin. Both parents preceded him in death. A dedicated servant to his mother, Ora, his gentleness toward her overshadowed that legendary Lee temperament for not backing down.
As a young man, Mr. James came to Saginaw, Michigan in 1944 seeking employment. No one has a clear answer to why his entire family used the last name of Ervin. However, since his arrival in Michigan, he has always used Erwin for his name. He was employed by GMs Malleable Iron Plant on December 14, 1945 and worked for 43 years. Mr. James retired on December 31, 1987 after serving in a number of operations positions.
Upon his arrival in Saginaw, he ultimately met and married Mattie Sue (Atwater) Erwin. She predeceased him in death. This holy union produced six children, the first being born in 1947. Those children are: L. Fallasha Erwin, Detroit, Michigan, Beatrice King (Stanley S. Roberts), Clarkston, Michigan, Yvonne (Randall) Flowers, Bridgeport, Michigan, James Erwin, Jr., Saginaw, Michigan and Brenda & Belinda Erwin, Saginaw, Michigan.
Another special event in the life of Mr. James is when he met Maggie Grays. A loving and caring person, she wed Mr. James on November 15, 1968. Maggie Erwin survives him. Together they raised six children, Dennis Grays, Timothy Grays, Saginaw, Michigan, Sherry Erwin, Jacqueline (Darren) Nash, Olathe, Kansas, Billy James Erwin, Saginaw, Michigan and Stacy (Michael) Erwin Oakes, Saginaw, Michigan. Dennis & Sherry preceded him in death.
Mr. Erwin is also survived by 25 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren along with countless nieces and nephews.
Mr. James had ten siblings. Six siblings survive him. They are: Jerry Ervin (Saginaw, Michigan), Leora Gipson (Henderson, Texas), Ella Williams (Henderson, Texas), Azalene Stephenson (Henderson, Texas), Cecil Ervin (Henderson, Texas), and Clara May Jordan (Henderson, Texas). Mr. James is also survived by an uncle, John Hamilton, 100 years old fondly known as Uncle Sonny Boy. Four siblings preceded him in death, Norma Faye Medford , J.T. Ervin , Mary Jane Ervin and Richard Ervin .
Those who knew Mr. James was aware of his passion for dogs. He raised and trained a wide variety of breeds including Cocker Spaniels, Labradors, and German Shepherds. His dogs were trained to be respectful and obedient. Another love of Mr. James was fishing. However, those who knew him well would agree that he was better at cooking and eating them than catching them. He did not always catch the biggest fish or the most fish, but he could surely tell you what you needed to do to achieve success although he was rarely successful.
A self-proclaimed master chef, Mr. James specialized in cooking chicken & dumplings, and canning pear preserves. Another undisclosed talent of Mr. James, was his special distilling of spirits. His homemade brewed beer was legendary as was his soul warming homemade wine. Many Saginaw residents will recall with gleam the homemade wine that was distributed during the Christmas season.
When several individuals were assembled to perform a task and Mr. James was present, he instantly became the self-appointed Foreman. He would first observe how the task was being performed. After a period of observation, he would interject how everyone was performing the task wrong. Thereafter, he would start joking about the individual characteristics of the participants. After a period of joking harassment, everyone would stop and tell him to show them the proper way to perform the task. The Foreman could never show you how to perform the task as well as he could tell how to do it.
As a hard worker and determined individual, very few recognized that Mr. James considered himself to be a great jokester. The joke was generally something about your name, your clothes or your physique. His intention was to get you to laugh about yourself. It did not always work but he seemed to always have a good laugh.
A lesser known fact is the many individuals Mr. James helped financially. He has given and loaned money to many to buy cars, homes and basic staples such as food. He never boasted about the many he helped with financial assistance because he did not want to draw the attention to his deeds. He always let the borrower set his/her terms with one condition, whatever terms you set you had to fulfill those terms. We will all miss this neighborhood guardian angel.
He was a saver but shared his hard earned money with others. A rough exterior covered up the kind, loving spirit of this credible man. Not a person who felt comfortable with verbal expressing himself, one would have to appreciate his love by his actions through the deeds he performed for you.
Mr. James not only worked for GM for 43 years but always engaged in some sort of business activity to supplement the family income. A handyman with a wealth of talent, he was always in demand. In addition, he made and sold barbecue pits. A country boy from the South, he raised hogs, cattle to later sell in Saginaw and other close communities. He also sold fresh eggs that he acquired from local farmers.
WE WILL MISS MR. JAMES BECAUSE HE IS A RARE BREED. He was living proof that if you were a hard worker you could always get a job or be successful in any business endeavor you directed your energy. Determination and hard work will always lead you to success.
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