James A Courter, age 63, passed away Sunday, October 4, 2026, at MyMichigan Medical Center in Alma, surrounded by his family. He was born May 4, 1963, the son of Arthur and Kathryn (Feltman) Courter.
Jim was a hard worker through and through. He was always willing to put in the extra hours and was known for taking advantage of just about every overtime opportunity that came his way. Working hard was simply part of who Jim was.
When he wasn’t working, Jim loved sports and was a dedicated fan. He cheered for the Detroit Lions, Detroit Red Wings, University of Michigan athletics, and NASCAR, and was a big fan of Rusty Wallace. He also enjoyed music, with the Righteous Brothers and Alabama among his favorites.
Jim loved being around kids, especially his grandchildren and the many others he came to consider “adopted” grandchildren. He also treasured time spent with his grandnieces and grandnephews. Family was important to Jim, and from the time he was young, he was proudly a mama’s boy. Those who knew him well also knew him by his nickname, “Snidely Whitelash.”
Jim is survived by his children, Tyler (Vanessa Davis) Courter, Haley King, and Blake Courter; seven grandchildren, Jayden, Thomas, Landon, Emma, Vincent, Charlee, and Tessa; siblings, Elaine (Dan Fleming), Juanita Edwards, Kathy (Kyle Wilhelm), and Laura (Stephanie) Courter; sister-in-law, Janice Courter; his best friend, Barb Jason; and several nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Kathryn Courter; his wife, Christine Courter; siblings, Butch Courter, Karen (Bill) Mills, Tom Courter, and Jean Davenport; brother-in-law, Cam Edwards; infant siblings, Anne and Mary; and nephew, Todd Mills.
Funeral services for Jim will be held Friday, October 9, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Berry Funeral Home in Shepherd, with Reverend Bill Chu officiating. Visitation will be held Thursday, October 8, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. In honor of Jim’s love of sports, family and friends are encouraged to wear fan gear of their choice to the service—as long as it’s not Ohio State.
And now, in true Jim fashion, “he’s taken his ball and he’s gone home.”
