James Spillson

James J. Spillson, age 81, of Monroe, MI passed away suddenly on Monday, December 15, 2008 at the Martin Memorial Hospital in Stuart, FL. Jim was born on August 13, 1927 in Monroe, MI the son of the late John G. and Anastasia (Ganallis) Spillson. Jim was a 1945 graduate of Monroe High School and attended Michigan State University. Jim served his country proudly as a member of the United States Army during WWII from December 21, 1945 until May 18, 1947 where he was awarded the WWII Victory Medal. On August 12, 1961, Jim married the former RoseMary Gal in Southgate, MI. Jim took over the family business, The Custer Restaurant, in 1954 and ran the business until its closing on Christmas Eve of 1965. Jim purchased property on the S. E. corner of N. Dixie Hwy in Frenchtown Township and in July of 1964 he opened River Raisin Golf Course, which was the third golf course built in Monroe County. In 1975, Jim purchased adjoining land and built the second golf course (East Course). As the founder and owner of the golf course, Jim was involved in the daily business up until a few years ago when he turned the operation over to a long time manager Roger Egland, his daughter Joanne Zwack, and superintendent Steve Sarnoski. Jim played a large role in developing the entire area around the golf course including bringing the Howard Johnson’s Hotel and city water to the area. Jim along with his brother George were two of the youngest men to be inducted into the Masonic Lodge #27 F&AM. They were inducted on November 24, 1950 and they both remained members until their deaths. Jim’s other memberships included; Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Toledo, OH, the 1st Presbyterian Church in Monroe, the Mariner Sand’s Chapel in Stuart, FL, the Golf Course Association of Michigan and the Mariner Sands Country Club. Jim was a past President of the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce (1963) and was a finalist for their business man of the year award. Jim and RoseMary have had a winter home in Stuart, FL. for the past 16 years. Jim is survived by his wife of 47 years RoseMary, three daughters; Diane L. (Kevin) Keenley of Tiburon, CA, Rosanne C. (Thomas) Schoenberger of Northville, MI and Joanne S. (Matthew) Zwack of Monroe, MI, and seven grandchildren; Megan, Alexander, Cate, Matthew, Abigail, Elizabeth, and Callen. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by an infant son James John Spillson and his brother George J. Spillson. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 3:00-8:00 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd. in Monroe, where the Masonic Lodge #27 F&AM will conduct a Masonic Service at 6:40 PM followed by a Trisigion Service at 7:00 PM. On Friday December 19, 2008 at 11:00 AM funeral services honoring Jim’s life will be held at the funeral home. The Fr.’s Aristotle Damaskos and Chris Hadgigeorge will officiate. Entombment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park where the VFW Post 1138 will conduct military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral or the Mariner Sand’s Memorial Fund.