James J. Neff

Mr. James J. Neff, age 77, of Mio, passed away Thursday July 31, 2008 at his home.
Visitation Sunday, August 3, 2008 from 1-9 P.M, with a Prayer Vigil Service at 7:00 PM followed by a K of C Rosary, at The Lashley Funeral Home, Mio, Ml. Mr. Neff will lay in state from 10 A.M. until the time of The Mass of Christian Burial at 11 A.M. on Monday, August 4, 2008 at St. Mary Catholic Church, celebrated by Father Raymond Cotter. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery with Military Honors offered by the Luzerne American Legion Post #162.
Mr. Neff was born on March 13, 1931 to Stephen and Mary (Mueth) Neff and raised in Belleville, IL. He met Betty when she was stationed there with the U.S. Air Force. James served his country in the U.S. Military. He married Betty on May 5, 1956 in Grand Rapids, and then they settled in Mio. He worked in the woods as a pulpwood producer with Betty for 15 years. He served as Oscoda County Sherriff from 1973-1981, and also had worked as a Postal Carrier, retiring in 1998. James was a member of the Michigan Sheriff's Association, St. Mary Catholic Church and was also a 3rd Degree Member of Mio Knights of Columbus Council # 7329. He built his own home and enjoyed woodworking.
Mr. Neff is survived by his wife Betty (Stutesman) Neff; his seven children: Toni (Kevin) Brusch of Mio; Tina (Robert) Johnson of Mio; Gary (Sue) Neff of Pittsburgh, PA; Kirk (Kathy) Neff of Fairview; Tammy Downing of Mio; Kevin (Amy) Neff of Mio and Rick (Timberly) Neff of Byron, Ml; 24 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters: Lucille, Carol Ann, Marilyn, and Joanne; his brothers: Bob, Jack, Joe and Steve; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Mr. Neff was preceded in death by his parents; two infant sons Jimmy and Randy; his sisters Eleanor and Helen, and his brothers Lee and David.
Donations may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church, P.O. Box 189, Mio, Ml 48647 in James' memory.
These arrangements were entrusted to Lashley Funeral Home of Mio, Michigan.