James I. Houghtalin

James I. Houghtalin, age 87 a life long resident of the Hastings area, died Tuesday April 14, 2009 at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids. James was born March 11, 1922 and graduated from Hastings High School in1940. The son of Arthur and Nina (Myers) Houghtalin. He married Jacqueline Thomas which ended in divorce. He enlisted into the United States Air Corp. becoming a flying officer and pilot of the famous B-29 Flying Fortress. James married Donna Faye Black in 1968, she passed away in 1991. He was also preceded in death by his parents, baby brother Lee and a sister, Merlyn Sandeen. James was a past member of the Hastings Jaycees, present member of the American Legion Post 45, Hastings Elks Lodge, Hastings Moose Lodge. Other interest was a flying instructor at the Hastings Air Port, boating on Lake Michigan, Real estate, rental properties, he took much pleasure in renovating and living part time at the Centennial family farm. James is survived by his best friend Brunhilda Wales, son Lynn (Rita) Houghtalin of Hastings, step-son C. David Black & Carla Jo Lowinski of Hastings, granddaughter Melinda Claflin and great-grandchildren Makayla and Kayden Claflin of Grand Ledge, also many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held Thursday from 6-8 pm at the Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. Funeral services will be held Friday April 17, 2009 at 11:00am at the Girrbach Funeral Home, Rev. Willard H. Curtis officiating. Burial will be at Striker Cemetery with Military Honors by American Legion Post 45 of Hastings. Arrangements are by the Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. You may leave a message or memory to the family at (girrbachfuneralhome.net). Memorials can be made to the American Legion Post 45 in Hastings.