Obituaries

Mervin James “Jim” Lockhart, age 84, of Pickford, Michigan, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2025, at MyMichigan Sault in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, surrounded by family. He was born on March 12, 1941, in Sault Ste. Marie, to Mervin George and Janice Vivian (Batho) Lockhart.

Jim grew up in Pickford and graduated from Pickford High School. On November 4, 1961, Jim married his high school sweetheart, Nancy House, at the Pickford Presbyterian Church. Together they shared nearly 64 years of marriage and built a loving family and life deeply rooted in faith, community, and farming. Jim farmed most of his life and also worked at Lipsett Chevrolet, Pickford Creamery, Golden Producers Dairy, Bancroft Dairy, Taylor Creek Farm, US Steel and the Michigan Department of Corrections.

Throughout the years, Jim was active in his community as a Sunday School teacher, 4-H Sheep Leader, and member of the Farm Bureau. He also shared his love of music as a leader of the Pickford Pickers. He was also known as “Sneakers” the clown for many years. He always had a chocolate chip cookie to share with the gas station attendants and phlebotomists. Jim was a member of the Pickford Global Methodist Church, where his faith guided every part of his life.

Jim is survived by his wife, Nancy Lockhart; his daughters, Sherry (Marty) Miller of Pickford and Julie (Ted) Coneset of Dafter, Michigan; grandchildren, Ben (Sara) Miller, Jaimi Miller, Hunter (Mana Blas-McLean) Coneset, and Hannah (Logan Corey) Coneset; great-grandchildren, Bo, Brady, Vivian, Carson, Bryson, Cal, Elzie, Lacey, and Cheyenne; bonus daughter, Wendy (Allyson) Martin; bonus grandchildren, Logan Bailey, Brandon (Danielle) Nickerson, and Zachary Gauger; bonus great-grandchildren, Jace and Jackson; and brother, Bill (Ginny) Lockhart of Sault Ste. Marie.

Jim was preceded in death by his daughter, Shelly; parents, Mervin and Janice Lockhart; parents-in-law, Scott and Etta House; sister and brother-in-law, Judith (Frank) Nixon, sister-in-law, Kathryn Maciag, brother-in-law, Joseph Maciag; and niece, Suzanne Gable.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025, at Family Life Funeral Homes, 24549 S. M-129 Pickford, MI 49774, from 11:00AM – 1:00PM. The Funeral Service will immediately follow at 1:00PM.

Jim’s final resting place will be at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens in Bruce Township, Michigan.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Jim's honor to the Pickford Global Methodist Church, P.O. Box 128 Pickford, MI 49774.

Jim will be remembered for his faith, his devotion to his family, his love of farming, music, tootsie rolls and his steady presence in the community he loved.

Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.