James Carey

James "Jim" Mark Carey, of Paw Paw, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 20, 2025, at his home. He was 77. Jim was born September 17, 1948, in Detroit, MI, the son of John and Marian (Ryan) Carey.
Jim is deeply mourned by his wife of 23 years, Neva (Galati) Carey; his siblings, Daniel Carey and Louise Carey Gemmell and her husband, Rick; Jim's children, Adam Carey and his wife Kelly, Emily Carey Sharp and her husband, Jeremy and his bonus daughter, Courtney Shaw Williams and her husband Aaron; by his and Neva's four grandchildren, Jonah, Isla, Charlie, and Eli (who called Jim "Bop") and by many other relatives, friends and colleagues. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Marilyn, Robert "Bob," and John Carey.
Jim graduated from Parchment High School in Parchment, MI. He earned a BA in Education with minors in English and Speech from Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI. He received a master's degree in Education from Western Michigan University.

Throughout his career, Jim excelled in his field, teaching English literature and coaching varsity football, as well as cross-country and track, at Lawrence High School in Lawrence, MI. Throughout the years, Jim earned many awards both for his coaching and for his teams' wins, including Coach of the Year. In 2023, he proudly accepted the honor of having the annual Lawrence Early Bird Cross Country Invitational Race named after him. And for many years, his Annual English Literature play, written and directed by Jim himself, was always a highly anticipated event by his students, their parents, the staff, and the entire Lawrence community.
Jim had many loves. He was an expert on Civil War history, a long-time member of the Kalamazoo Civil War Round Table, and was an avid reader. He combined his love of travel of any kind (especially by motorcycle and bicycle) with many trips to Civil War battle sites, and the far west over the years. He frequently rode his bicycle to his sister Marilyn's home in Kentucky and his sister Louise's home in Ohio and had the distinction of riding his motorcycle to each of the contiguous United States. Jim was also an avid cross-country skier and would attend the annual Bierkebeiner cross-country ski race in Wisconsin over the years, along with other races.
And last but not least, one of Jim's most long-lasting passions was his monthly Poker Club, which he organized for over 40 years.

For Jim, his family meant everything. He was an excellent speaker and often combined his love of speaking with his love of family, telling funny family stories at many events, including his older brother Bob's 80th birthday celebration, and most recently giving his daughter, Emily, away at her wedding in June.
Per Jim's wishes, cremation has taken place, and a private celebration of life will be held. No public service will be planned.

Those wishing to honor Jim's memory may contribute to the Lawrence Alumni Association or Wings of Hope Hospice.

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