James Jay Goulooze

Local Attorney James J. Goulooze, age 72 of Freeport, passed away with his loved ones around him on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, at Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus.

Jim was born on December 24, 1948, the son of Harold J. and Hilda R. (Pierce) Goulooze. Jim spent his early years in Ludington, Grand Rapids, Lincolnton, North Carolina, and his adopted hometown of Henderson, Kentucky. He was a 1967 graduate of Henderson Holy Name High School. Jim completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Evansville in 1971. Jim and his mother returned to Hastings to reunite with family after the death of his father.

Early in adult life, Jim enjoyed playing basketball in various rec leagues and was a fixture umpiring softball and refereeing basketball in the area. In his 30's Jim became serious about attaining his dream of becoming a member of the Michigan State Bar. Upon graduating from Cooley Law School on January 19, 1991, Jim was sworn in on May 10, 1991. Jim had a passion for travel, extensively driving the continental US to enhance his knowledge of all regions of our country. He was a voracious reader of all books with a particular love of civil war history. He had a special fondness for the Gettysburg National battleground. Sports and sporting events were also part of Jim's life, his favorite being reunited with high school pals yearly for the Kentucky High School Sweet 16 Tournament in Lexington.

Jim is preceded in death by his grandparents, aunts and uncles and cousins Tom Reynolds, Suzanne Rose, baby Mary Emma Bowerman, and second cousin Jeff Spencer.

He is survived by Patsy Dutcher Meldrum of Freeport, her daughters Cindy (Mark) Hamlin, Susie (Mat) Garber, Shari (Bryan) Laudenslager, Jack Reynolds of Hastings, cousin who was truly a brother to him, Jim's Kentucky family: Mike and Susie Thurman, Ike (Betty) Norment, Dr. Eddie (Ruthie) Shuttleworth, Aubrey (Sonny) Mooney. He is also survived by many cousins and close friends that were all dear to him. Close to his heart were Patsy's brothers Don (Kathy Kenyon) Dutcher and Gary (Debbie) Dutcher of Freeport.

Jim had a love of animals, and his pets were a source of great pleasure to him, thus making Barry County Animal Shelter, 540 N, 540 Industrial Park Dr, Hastings, MI 49058, the recipient of any memorial contributions you may desire to make in his name.

Cremation has taken place, and a private family gathering will be held at a later date. Interment will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Hastings, Michigan. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.