Tatrow
James K. Tatrow, 67, of Garden, Michigan died on May 8 at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born September 11, 1947 in Woodbury, the son of Robert and Eva (Johnson) Tatrow, and attended school in Smithville.
James proudly served our country in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving in Vietnam.
On August 23, 1995 he married the former Debbie L. Hawthorne in Escanaba, Michigan and they made their home in Garden.
James worked as a truck driver for over 40 years. He also was a small business owner for 19 years. He and his wife, Debbie owned and operated D & J’s On the Bay Restaurant in Garden.
He was a member of the Schoolcraft County V.F.W. Post #4420 of Manistique, and was a member of the American Legion Post #545 of Garden.
James enjoyed hunting, fishing, and the outdoors. He especially enjoyed goose hunting with his grandson Logan and "Sunny Day." Everyone who knew him was familiar with his smile. James never met someone he didn’t like. He had an incredible love for people, all people. James was a very special person to all those who knew him. He will be forever missed.
He is survived by his loving wife, Debbie Tatrow of Garden; sons, James Tatrow of Tiptonville, Robert (Penny) Vertz of Garden, and Jeffrey Vertz of Garden; daughter, Christel Tatrow of Murfreesboro; grandchildren, Brock Tatrow, Clint Tatrow, Mikayla Hendrixson, Alyssa Tatrow, Leah Vertz, and Logan Vertz; and two great- grandchildren. James is furthered survived by his mother, Eva Tatrow of Garden; brothers, Gordon "Bucky" (Brenda) Tatrow of Smithville, Kevin (Debbie) Tatrow of Garden, and Keith Tatrow of Garden; sisters, Laurel (Dennis) Jenkins, Shelby (Frank) Lawrence and Mary Jo (Corky) Britt all of Smithville, and Claudia (Tom) Klink of Garden; and his special brother, Fran Ansell.
In addition to his father, James was preceded in death by his sons, Robert A. Tatrow and Robin S. Tatrow, his brother, Danny C. Tatrow; and sisters, Deborah Tatrow and JoyAnn Tatrow.
Funeral services were held May 12 at the Messicr-Broullire Funeral Home in Garden. Pastor Lon Hider officiated with military honors following at the New Garden Cemetery in Garden Township. A luncheon followed at the Garden Congregational Church in Garden.
Memorial donations may be directed to the American Legion Post #545 of Garden.
Messier-Broullire Funeral Home, Manistique was in charge of the arrangements
SMITHVILLE REVIEW
Smithville, TN
May 13, 2015