March 3, 1922 — Oct. 19, 2014

The family of James W. Spaniolo, 92, mourns the death of their beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother-in-law and uncle.

He left us with many happy memories filled with much love. He was born March 3, 1922, in Charlotte, Michigan to Italian immigrant parents, Vincent and Theresa. He loved sports, earning nine varsity letters at Charlotte High School. He entered Michigan State College in 1940, a member of their freshman baseball team recalling that one of his proudest moments was getting a locker at Jenison Fieldhouse.

His college career was interrupted by his service in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946. He served with the 305th Station Hospital in England and France. He returned home and graduated with honors from MSC in 1947 with a degree in history and political science.

He married the love of his life, Josephine Coscarelli, in 1951 and together they raised a loving family of five children in Cassopolis, Michigan.

He partnered with his brother Victor in many businesses, including two weekly newspapers: the Cassopolis Vigilant and the Edwardsburg Argus. James loved newspapers, sweets, gardening, history, Shakespeare, sports, MSU and his family most of all.

All five of his children graduated from MSU. He commented to one of his daughters that he loved Michigan State almost as much as he loved the United States. He and Josephine had season football tickets for more than 50 years. Even in their late 70s they were firmly ensconced in their favorite seats — top row of the upper deck!

He was preceded in death by his siblings John, Charles, Helena, Peter, Robert, Michael, Victor, and Virginia and his goddaughter Diane.

He will be missed by his wife Josephine; children Charles (Suzanne), Lucy McCauslin (Michael), Gloria, Victor (Kim), and Natalie; grandchildren Thomas, John, Lia, Angelina, Sabrina, and Brianna; and great grandson Oren.

In honor of his beloved Spartans and because it is Michigan Week, Spartan attire is strongly encouraged at the services.

Donations may be made to Hospice House of Mid-Michigan or Cass County Medical Care Facility. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday at 11 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, Mason. Rite of committal will follow at 2:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Visitation is Wednesday 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Palmer Bush & Jenson Family Funeral Homes, Holt-Delphi Chapel, 5035 Holt Rd, where the Rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. Visitation continues at the church Thursday at 10 a.m. Condolences can be made at www.palmerbush.com.