James Gissendanner

Mr. James T. Gissendanner was born October 1, 1928 in Ozark, Alabama, the son of the late Paul and LeMae Gissendanner. His name was called by God on Monday, January 4, 2021 at the well-lived age of 92 years.

James was a resident of Saginaw, Michigan for over 70 years and a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church. He was a graduate of D.A. Smith High School in Ozark, Alabama and moved to Saginaw in 1951 to begin work with General Motors. He worked for GM 32 years. In addition, he was also employed by St. Johns Episcopal Church for 52 years. While working these two jobs, he was able to build a home for his family.

In his spare time, James doted on his sons, daughters and grandkids. He also enjoyed vacation travel with his late wife, Christine, who predeceased him in 2013. James was affectionately called “Paw Paw” by his grandchildren. He will truly be missed but never forgotten.

James was preceded in death by his wife, Christine Gissendanner; two daughters, Juanita Threat and Margaret Canty; one brother, Johnny Odell Gissendanner; and one sister, Lorene Doster.

He leaves to cherish his memory two sons, Napoleon Gissendanner, Alfonso (Bobbie) Gissendanner; two daughters, Shirley (Al) Harrell, Jacqueline Pritchett, all of Saginaw, Michigan; sons-in-law, Walter Canty, Saginaw, Michigan, Walter Threat, Atlanta, Georgia; grandchildren, Toni Gissendanner, Cincinatti, Ohio, Amber (Nicole) Steffani, Fountain, Colorado, Curtis (Tracy), Larry (Mae), Patrick (Nikeba) Canty, Tracey Wright, all of Saginaw, Michigan, Albert (Monica) Jackson, Lansing, Michigan, Crystal (Michael) Yarn, Atlanta, Georgia, Alfonso (Danielle) Gissendanner, Torrie (Joseph) Applewhite, both of Lowell, Michigan, Shawn Coleman, Kissimmee, Florida, Thomas Settle, Saginaw, Michigan, Detrick Gissendanner, Lansing, Michigan, Charles (Tamira) Chapman, West Bloomfield, Michigan, Lydia Harrell, Boston, Massachusetts, Ruth Harrell, Akron, Ohio, Phaedra Gissendanner, Henry Pritchett, both of Saginaw, Michigan, James (Shaylana) Pritchett, Dallas, Texas; sister, Helen Gissendanner-Stevenson, Ozark, Alabama; brother, Milton (Bonnie) Gissendanner, Atlanta, Georgia; aunt, Lena Pearl Newman, Birmingham, Alabama; great-aunt, Edna Ruth Northcutt, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, other relatives and friends.


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