James H. LaBean

Jim (James Henry) LaBean died on Sunday, October 27, 2024, at the age of 85. Jim was born in 1939 to George and Dorothy (Kraus)LaBean. He was raised on a farm in Pinconning, Michigan and graduated in 1957 from St. Michael’s High School. He received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Tech and an M.A. in Industrial Management and Technology from Central Michigan University. He obtained a license as a Michigan Registered Professional Engineer.

In 1960 Jim married (Mary) Sue McDonnell, his high school sweetheart, and together they raised five great children: Barbara Flaugher, Julie (Ben) Thomas, Thom (Laurie) LaBean, John (Meghan) LaBean, and Dave (Jana) LaBean. Jim had a great sense of humor. He loved a good joke. He loved hunting, fishing, walking and the outdoors.

Jim had an interesting career working with Collins Radio Co. on the communication system for the Apollo Space Project. Followed by a 30 year career with Dow Chemical Co., he retired in 1995, as the Manager of Michigan Engineering. Jim also served on local boards including the West Midland Family Center and the Arnold Center. He was on the Boy Scouts Advisory Board and represented Dow Chemical Company in the United Way Community Fund Drive. He was a Dow loaned Project Engineer on the second gymnasium addition to the Midland Community Center. For many years he represented Dow at the 4-H Live Animal auctions at the Midland County Fair.

Jim is survived by his wife, Sue; all five of their children; eight grandchildren: Jennifer (Vince) Seidle, Ronnie Bressler, Jessi (Daniel) Gudgeon, Connor LaBean, Tyler (Cayla) LaBean, Rachel Lowry, Katie LaBean, Greta LaBean; seven great-grandchildren: James and Sophie Bressler, Cami Seidle, Draydon and Denley Gudgeon, Leo and Laylah Lowry; his brother, Leonard LaBean; his sisters: Janet Selleck and Elaine (Mark) Moszyk; his sister in-laws: Carol LaPan, Mary (Aki) Yasuda, Donna Dameron, Patsy
(Roger) Dryden; his brothers-in-law: Walt, Tom, Mike, and Adam (Irene) McDonnell. He was predeceased by his parents; his brothers-in-law: Del Selleck, Pat McDonnell, Tony LaPan, Rick Dameron; his son-in-law Steve Flaugher and his niece, Hannah.

A celebration of his life is planned at a private family gathering in the future. Memorials may be made to the West Midland Family Center.