James DeLine

James Lee DeLine, ‘J. D.’ or ‘Deadline’, passed comfortably at his home in Lake Havasu City, AZ on Sat., Nov. 25, 2023 at age 78. He had a long struggle, yet he remained strong, patient and positive until the end.

J. D. was born Wed., July 25, 1945 at Dayton, Ohio, to Nelson and Ruth (Kight) DeLine, and grew up in Lansing, MI. He worked as a car mechanic for his father, attended a trade school, and then joined the Army National Guard. While serving in the Guard, reaching the rank of Command Sergeant-Major, he concurrently worked as an aircraft mechanic for the Army Aviation Support Facility for 23 years. As a patriot, he took pride and joy in working for and serving our country.

He was very proud of his son and his family. He had a ‘will-do’ attitude in those endeavors, as well as in helping others throughout his life. He was a ‘go-to’, loving, loyal, gentle-man. He was generous and selfless as he assisted friends, family, and even strangers, always with his beautiful smile. He was a prankster who enjoyed star-gazing, sitting around bonfires and eating s’mores with friends.

He and his wife Loretta, raised and showed dogs. Besides mechanics, he was skilled at repairing antique clocks and loved working with his hands. He enjoyed many sports: racing, bowling, softball, golf, snowmobiling, offroading, boating and more. In later life he taught aircraft repair at Lansing Community College. He and Loretta became full-time RV’ers in 1997. They traveled all 50 states, and visited Canada and Mexico too. After 22 years, they settled and remained in Lake Havasu.

Jim is survived by wife Loretta, whom he was with for 48 years, his son Brent and wife Helen, granddaughters Michalena and Gabriella, brother Charles, sister-in-law Robin, and many nieces and nephews. His parents, his sister Jeannie and brother Michael all preceded him in death. Those of us left behind will always love and miss him. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. A military service will follow in Michigan, date to be determined.