James C. "Percy" Van Wormer

James C. “Percy” Van Wormer, 80, of Essexville, our generous, caring, and thoughtful husband, father, gramps, brother, uncle, and friend was born into eternal life on the morning of Monday, November 16, 2015 at his home. Percy was born in Bay City on April 9, 1935, the son of the late Percy and Dorothy (Neering) Van Wormer. While participating in choir during school in 1952, Percy met a beautiful woman by the name of Patricia Migut. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on October 29, 1955. After briefly serving in the naval reserves, Percy went on to work at General Motors – Grey Iron Foundry where he was a well-respected millwright and wrote many company suggestions that were implemented. Throughout life, Percy was known for his love of fishing and hunting; spending time at the casino, love for water, traveling, reading, and playing cards for money (and cheating). He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Muskrat Club. His colorful language, along with his special sayings and anecdotes will live on in the hearts of his family and friends for generations to come. In addition to Patricia, his loving wife of sixty years, Percy leaves his children, Victoria Jordan (George Clapper), James Van Wormer (Joanie Van Wormer), Katherine Van Wormer-Schmidt (Steve Schmidt), and Christopher Van Wormer (Amy Van Wormer-deceased). Percy was the most awesome “Gramps” of Melanie Rinchere, Chase Jordan, Ryan Van Wormer, Kristen Halstead (Johnathon Halstead), Rachel Van Wormer, Lauren Van Wormer, Emma Schmidt, and will forever be remembered by his great-grandchildren: Raven and Pierson Rinchere, and Ava, Jett, and Vivian Halstead. He is also survived by his siblings, Ginger Kraych (Lewis Kraych), and Ronald Van Wormer. In addition to his parents and his daughter-in-law, Percy was welcomed home to heaven by his granddaughter, Tessa Schmidt; mother-in-law, Bernadine Wisniewski; siblings, Jack Van Wormer and Alma Junk, and sister-in-law, Judy Scherzer. Percy’s family will be present to receive visitors on Thursday, November 19, 2015 from 2:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a 7:00 PM Vigil for the Deceased at Skorupski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 955 N. Pine Rd., Hampton Twp. On Friday, November 20, 2015, Percy will be taken to St. Jude Thaddeus Parish (St. Joseph Church) 1005 Third St., Bay City, where visiting will continue from 9:00 AM until the time of his 10:00 AM Funeral Liturgy. Fr. Dale Orlik will officiate with cremation to follow. A Celebration of Life Reception will immediately follow in The Wesley Room at Skorupski’s. Percy will be laid to rest in St. Patrick Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed to the wishes of the family. The entire family wishes to send a heartfelt thanks to Heartland Home Health Care and Hospice, and caregivers, John Prueter and Vicky Thompson for their love, support, and care for Percy and his family. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.skorupskis.com.