Obituary of Donald Ovid James

April 26, 1933– March 31, 2017 Donald Ovid "Pa" James, Age 83 of Riverview, formerly of Wyandotte. Donald will be deeply missed by his wife of 61 years, Arlene. He loved and was loved by his family, including children: Lynda (John) James-Gilboe, Gerald (Linda), Jeffrey (Claudette) and the late Kymberly (Jay) Harris; grandchildren: Kevin (Emily) Gilboe, Laura (Kyle Frescura) Gilboe, Rachel (Robert) Hill, Benjamin James, Adam James, Ashley Harris, Zoey Harris, Abby Harris, Bailey Harris; and great-granddaughters: Morgan, Alexandra, and Sloane,"Sloanie-Baloney" and sisters Roselynn (Milton) Moore and Judith (Gerald) McParland. Donald had an entrepreneurial spirit and was particularly proud to be an early A&W Drive-Inn franchisee and convenience store owner. He liked to try new things and take road trips, including a memorable family cross-country trip. His love of Florida drew him back again and again and he spent 19 years there before returning to Michigan, his birth state. Wherever he lived, he was a Detroit Tigers fan and could be found gardening, with a special interest in orchids and African violets. He will rest peacefully in the Canadian waters of Lake Erie where he spent many happy summers. Memorial contributions may be made to: Kymberly Jane Harris Endowed Scholarship in Long-Term Care Administration, established in memory of Donald's daughter -- care of: Brent Small, Ph.D. University of South Florida, School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., MHC1346, Tampa, FL 33620.