Edward "Jim" Casey Jr.

Edward James Casey, Jr. was born on August 7, 1933 to Neva Pauline Saur and Edward James Casey, Sr., in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  Jim passed peacefully, surrounded by family at home on August 15, 2025, a week after celebrating his 92nd birthday.

Jim grew up in Kent City, graduating from Kent City High School in 1951 and Western Michigan College in 1955.  Jim met the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth (Betts) Snyder at Western Michigan College, and they were married on December 10, 1955.  Jim was a member of ROTC, and after graduating in 1955, he served for a time as a First Lieutenant in the Quartermaster Corps in Fort Lee, Virginia. 

At the age of 14, because his father, recovering from kidney stones, Jim received a special driver's license to chauffeur his father ― a manufacturer's sales representative for the textile industry ― around the state to call on customers.  This experience ignited a passion for sales, and upon his father’s retirement, Jim took over the territory, eventually expanding it to include several Midwest states with sub-representatives.

Boating was a big part of the family's summers with annual cruises along the Michigan coast. In 1971, Jim was part of a group of boaters from North Shore Marina who founded the Riviera Yacht Club and subsequently served as its third Commodore from 1973-1974. The burgee, still in use today, was designed by Betts Casey.

For several years, Jim taught classes in charting for the US Power Squadron.  Jim enjoyed his involvement with the YMCA – Y Men’s Service Club and the Santa Claus Girls. For many years, Jim served as an usher at Park Church.

Jim is predeceased by his parents, his wife of 67 years, Betts, his sister, Patricia Casey, his brother-in-law, Charles Patterson, and his brother-in-law, George Snyder. He is survived by his children, Liz Casey Bode (Bill), Jim Casey III (Sue), Cindy Casey Myers (Kurt). Grandchildren: Chris (Ashley) Bode, Katy (John) Salter, Greg (Samantha) Bode, Jamey (Abby) Casey IV, Matthew (Hailey) Myers, Sarah Myers. Great Grandchildren: Max and Molly Bode, Grayson and Adelyn Salter, Blake and Dylan Bode, Calvin Myers, and Elliott Casey.  Nieces and nephew: Casey (Julie) Patterson, Kathy (Tom) Marks, Jean (Bruce) Hawley, Sara Snyder (Laura Kelleher), Beth (Chuck) Dierkes. Sister-in-law: Claudia Snyder.

A celebration of Jim’s life will take place on August 26, 2025 at First (Park) Congregational Church. The memorial service is 1pm with a reception to follow.

Memorials may be made to First (Park) Congregational Church (10 East Park Place NE Grand Rapids, MI  49503) in memory of Jim Casey.

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