Obituaries

James “Jim” Davis Rye, age 82, of Pickford, Michigan, died on May 26, 2025, at MyMichigan Medical Center Sault. He was born on December 26, 1942, in Pickford to Lloyd and Fannie (Hill) Rye.

Jim was born and raised on his family’s farmhouse in Pickford, where his love for hard work, animals, and the outdoors was nurtured from an early age. He met the love of his life, Karen Locsey, and the two were married on June 22, 1962, in Pickford. Together, they built a life rooted in love, dedication, and a shared passion for farming. They raised dairy cows and horses on their family farm, passing down a deep respect for the land and animals to their children and grandchildren.

In 1984, Jim proudly earned his GED—an accomplishment that meant the world to him. He worked for the Rudyard Creamery as a milk truck driver. He later joined the Chippewa County Road Commission, where he worked for over 25 years before retiring in 1997. Even in retirement, Jim stayed active, driving part-time for Vern Huyck Trucking, Frank Huyck Trucking and O’Connors Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

Jim was a devoted member of the Pickford Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder. He was also a proud member of the NRA and the Teamsters Union.

Jim had a special bond with his horses, especially his beloved Percherons, which he always claimed were superior to his son’s Belgians—usually with a twinkle in his eye. Christmastime sleigh rides for his family became a treasured tradition. Jim loved hunting, logging with horses, and spending time at the family camp built in 1992, where every Thanksgiving was celebrated with warmth and laughter. He never missed a fair or horse pull and had a legendary sweet tooth. He enjoyed his woodworking and was an avid gardener, Jim was known for his beautiful vegetable gardens and towering sunflowers. Always ready to lend a hand, his motto was simple: “If someone needs help, just go do it.” Above all, Jim cherished his family. He was a loyal supporter of the Pickford Panthers, as well as Soo hockey and T.C. hockey, rarely missing a game. He proudly cheered from the sidelines at his grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s sporting events, and he especially loved watching his son and grandson coach Pickford Panther J.V. football. Jim’s life was a testament to love, humility, and community—a legacy that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Karen; son, Danny (Tracy) Rye; daughter, Kaye (Robert) Batho; grandchildren, Stacy (Jeremy) Moniz, Davis (Nicole) Rye, Dylan (Angela) Rye, Lance Batho and Drew Batho; great-grandchildren, Carter Rye, Jayde Rye, Jackson Rye, Ella Rye, Evan Moniz and Adelynn Moniz; sisters-in-law, Margaret Lamoreaux and Kathy Newell; brothers-in-law, Chuck (Tabitha) Newell and George (Sandy) Newell; as well as several nieces and nephews who will all miss him dearly.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Fannie; brother, Richard (Loretta) Rye; sister, Shirley (Marvin) McDowell; brother, Harry Rye; brother-in-law, William Lamoreaux and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charles and Catherine Newell.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Family Life Funeral Homes, 24549 S. M-129 Pickford, MI 49774, from 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM. The Funeral Service will follow immediately at 3:30 PM.

Jim’s final resting place will be at Cottle Cemetery in Marquette Township, Michigan.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Pickford Presbyterian Church, PO Box 266 Pickford, MI 49774 or the Panther Legacy Project (Fund the Fieldhouse Project), 333 S. Pleasant St. Pickford, MI 49774.