Dec. 20, 1925 — July 31, 2015

Jim Peoples, 89, of Dowagiac, formerly of Union, died Friday, July 31, 2015 in Borgess Lee Memorial Hospital in Dowagiac.

Jim was born December 20, 1925 in Leachville, Arkansas to Oscar and Bertha May (Bailey) Peoples. He married Beverly Sue Sweat April 28, 2002 in Constantine, Michigan. She survives. He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Linda Lewis; one grandson, Andy Lewis; one step daughter, Patty Wesaw; two step sons, Larry Stark and Richard Stark; one sister, Joetta Peoples.

Jim received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Navy following his service during World War II. He liked his flea markets and woodworking. Jim fished a lot and followed stock car racing. He was a shade tree mechanic. He loved to watch westerns on television. Jim liked it when everyone went home so he could listen to his country music – loudly. He played guitar.

Jim will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Beverly (Sweat) Peoples of Dowagiac; two daughters, Bonnie (Ron) Thiele of Elkhart, Kelly (Jerry) Cross of Georgia; two sons, James (Mary) Peoples of Dallas, North Carolina, Cliff (Dawn) Peoples of Dowagiac; three step daughters, Dixie (Jerry) Bills of Mottville, Carol Sturgill of Blackwater, Virginia, Robin (Walt) Peters of Dowagiac; one step son, Michael McPherson; thirteen grandchildren, Tammy (Steve) Maldonado of Dallas, Texas, Autumn Cabrillas of Dowagiac, Jason (Melinda) Peoples of Concord, North Carolina, Shaun (Caroline) Peoples of Prattville, Alabama, Brandon Peoples of Kannapolis, North Carolina, LeRoy Lewis of Grand Haven, Michigan, Larry Lewis of Holland, Jimmy Lewis of Muskegon, Lyndal “Fuzz” (Sarah) Lewis of Frederickstown, Missouri; Doug (Joan) Peoples of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Jerry (Sarah) Cross, Jr., Stephany Kohles, and Zachary (Jessica) Cross, all of Dowagiac; numerous great grandchildren and several great great grandchildren; step grandson, Dylan Coffman of Bremen; two sisters, Phyllis (Jerry) New of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Harriett Peoples; two brothers, Oscar “Bud” (Peggy) Peoples of Atlanta, Georgia, Larry “Sonny” Peoples of Kentucky.

Family and friends will gather Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2015, from 5 until time of service at 7 p.m. in Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, 202 North Broadway Street, Cassopolis, when Jim will be accorded full Military Honors. Jim’s remains will be laid to rest in a private family service in Riverside Cemetery in Dowagiac.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.