James C. Koyl

James C. Koyl, age 79, of Olivet, MI, passed away Thursday, January 25, 2018, at his Florida residence.  He was born April 16, 1938 in Marshall, MI; the son of the late Lloyd and Mary (Clayborn) Koyl.  James was a graduate of Olivet High School class of 1956.  After high school, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a Helmsman on the USS Intrepid from 1957-1959.  In 1963, James married Inez Watson in Marshall, MI, at Trinity Lutheran Church.  He was first employed with Eaton Corp for 11 years and retired and then took over the family farm from his father partnering with his brother, Jerry.  James was elected Trustee in Lee Township and served on the board for 16 years.  He was also the sexton and treasurer at Lee Center Cemetery and was the owner of Koyl Oil managing and producing the oil wells on his property.
James was an avid traveler driving his camper to various locations and enjoyed taking his kids to New York which was his primary stop to show off the USS Intrepid Ship where he enjoyed being involved as a tour guide volunteer for over 15 years.   Along the way, he would stop at Niagara Falls and Gettysburg.  James also was involved in a convoy of campers with friends headed to Alaska, Grand Canyon, and through the 5 Corner States.  They also vacationed in Hawaii, Rome/Italy, Dominican Republic, Cozumel, and took his kids to many hot spots in Florida like Key West, New Smyrna Beach Resort all near where they reside in Lady Lake during the winter months.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Inez, of 54 years; daughter, Jeanne (Jim) Behrndt of Battle Creek; son, Matt (fiancé Jessica Ruddock) Koyl of Charlotte; grandchildren, Brock Behrndt, Brooke Behrndt, Matte Koyl, Niles Herr, Alayna Koyl; step-grandchildren, Daimien Ruddock, Autum (James) Lake, Baylee Herr, brothers John Koyl of Olivet, Jerald (Maureen) Koyl of Olivet; and sister-in-law, Millie Koyl.
Family will receive friends at Kempf Funeral & Cremation Service, Marshall, on Tuesday, January 30, 2018 from 2-4 p.m. & 6-8 p.m.  Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home with Officiant Jacob Washburn officiating.  Interment will follow at Lee Center Cemetery with gathering immediately after at Lee Center Community Hall on 21 Mile Road across from Lee Center Church.  Memorial contributions may be directed to Seats of Honor, or the Wounded Warrior Project.