Jean "JT" LaValley

Jean was born in Lapeer, Michigan, to parents Joe and Cecilia. He grew up on the family farm with his siblings Lorelei, Robert, and Mike. Jean began working at General Motors at age 19 on the production line. After 3 years, he was promoted to a salaried employee. After 38 years, he retired as Supervisor of Sales with a staff of 11 employees. As a young man in his late 30s, his eagerness to help people in need led him to become a volunteer firefighter and ambulance attendant. Always inspired by his cousin, an Air Force pilot, he became a joint owner of a Cessna 172 with two of his best friends, and he continued to fly until 2009 when health issues intervened. The longing to be back in the cockpit never left. On days with clear blue skies, he would always look up and remark, “The weather is severe clear”, which meant it was perfect flying weather. Jean also loved restoring Corvettes, and his real pride and joy was a red 1977 car. Since it was so remarkably finished, that GM asked permission to borrow it for a season to display it in their main lobby at the corporate headquarters. He also had a love for working with electrical wiring. He personally wired their 5000 square foot home during the construction phase. When the building inspector asked who did the wiring and learned that it was Jean, he remarked that it “was the best wiring he had ever seen.” After settling in Clare, Michigan, he became the Assistant Manager and Grounds Manager of the Clare Airport for several years, a role that stemmed from his love for flying, despite his retirement. During those same years, he became friends with a Clare County Deputy, John Wilson, who designated Jean to be his Campaign Manager for both John’s first and second runs for Sheriff, which John won. Still eager to fill his days of retirement, he and his wife Pat spent several years happily employed at Stocking Funeral Home, again, serving the needs of others. For about 15 years, Christmas Eve became the highlight of every December when he donned his Santa suit and braved every weather condition possible to make home visits to surprise and entertain the children of friends. In his bag was a special gift that the child had wished for from him. Of course, he was accompanied by one of three helpers… Mrs. Claus, Christmas Carol, or Giggles the Elf, whose job was to ring the sleigh bells, which announced his arrival at the front door. Jean was also a member and officer of the Harrison chapter of the Sons of the American Legion, where he specialized in the ceremonial folding of the American flag, which was to be hand-presented to the family of the deceased member of any of our American military. His remarkable ability to recall the skills learned as a child and young man, having been raised on a farm, served him well. Even into his later years, he was still able to help family and friends when they sought to repair or fix almost anything imaginable. Last, but not least, his gentle ways, soft manner, and willingness to aid anyone who needed his time and knowledge will be missed by all who knew and loved him, especially his wife, daughter Cathy, and “bonus” children Brad and Sheri. Even when dementia stole his knowledge, memories, and his ability to walk and talk, he continued to love his wife Patricia until his final days.

Jean "JT" LaValley

October 31, 1944 - May 26, 2025