James W. Strouse

Strouse, James W. Saginaw, MI Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather went home to the Lord on Thursday, February 28, 2013, at the age of 97. James was born November 26, 1915, in Mt. Pleasant, MI to the late George Willard and Bertha (Priestley) Strouse. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a B-17 pilot during WWII, flying 25 missions. He received the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters after being wounded in flight. He married Margaret Jean Hopkins on November 2, 1944. She survives him. He was active in church and community service for the Shriners. He was a member of the DAV, American Legion Post #439, the VFW, Baker Perkins Retired Bowling League, the Scottish Rite, Elf Khurafeh Shrine, and he was a 32nd degree Mason. He served as chaplain for Masonic Lodge #77 and the Military Order of the Purple Heart. He took pride in going to schools to teach children about his WWII memories. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, bowling, golfing, playing pool, and travelling around the world. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Margaret Jean Strouse; children, Ruth Andrus, Carol (David) Groat, Jan (Rick) Sallmen, David Strouse; grandchildren, Jodi (Robert) Rivet, Wendy (David) Jezewski, Mindy Groat, Susan (Mathew) Traweek, Kenneth Groat, Shannon (Jim) Fitzpatrick, Matthew Holvey; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Irene Johnson; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was predeceased by one brother and 3 sisters. Funeral services will take place at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 5, 2013, at State Street United Methodist Church, 3617 Mackinaw Rd. Rev. Elias Mumbiro will officiate with burial to follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens under the auspices of American Legion Post #439. Friends may visit with the family at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Chapel, 4480 Mackinaw Rd., on Monday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. where the family will gather at 6:30 p.m. for a Masonic service. Memorial contributions may be made to State Street United Methodist Church or to the Elf Khurafeh Shrine. www.casefuneralhome.com

Funeral Home:
W. L. Case and Company Mackinaw Funeral Chapel
4480 Mackinaw Road
Saginaw, MI
US 48603