James "Jim" William Makaravage

James William Makaravage was born May 10, 1937 in Wilkes-Barre, PA. He passed away in Flint, MI on April 16, 2025 at the age of 87.

He is survived by his 7 children, Tammy Johnson (Rod-deceased) of Poquoson,VA; Cindy Flewwelling (John) of Burton, MI; James Makaravage, Jr. (Ellen) of East Bend, NC; John Makaravage (Vicki) of Grand Blanc, MI; Sonya Fryrear (Jim) of Poquoson, VA; Charla Beemer (Patrick) of Davison, MI; and Sophia Malinowski (Tony) of Dreshler, OH. He also leaves behind 15 grandchildren: Rodney Johnson, Katie Reith, Corrie Decator, Chad Flewwelling, Jimmy Makaravage, Danny Makaravage, John Makaravage Jr., Jeff Makaravage, Makenzie Phillips, Brent Phillips, Brandon Rodgers, Hannah Beemer, Bailey Beemer, Mikayla Beemer and May-Rin Malinowski; as well as 8 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Makarewicze Neuman and the father he never knew, James Williams, both of Wilkes-Barre, PA.

When he was a few days old he was sent to the first of three children’s homes where he lived until he was 17. Most of those years were spent at St. Michael’s School for Boys in Hoban Heights, PA. He shared only fond memories of growing up there. At 17 he joined the Navy where he served for 3 years. It was while stationed in Norfolk, VA that he met Marian Burtoft and they were married soon after. They moved to Flint, MI where he drove trucks for Mead Containers. He later moved to Bowling Green, OH and continued to work as a truck driver until his retirement. After retirement, he moved back to Flint, MI. He enjoyed playing golf, watching all sports, and spending time with his family. He was always the life of the party and his optimism and humor were with him to the end.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

James' obituary was written by his loving family.