James Edward St. Onge “Tonto”, age 80, of St. Ignace, Michigan, died on December 5, 2024, at the Evergreen Living Center in St. Ignace. He was born on October 19, 1944, in St. Ignace to Edward and Beatrice (Biermaker) St. Onge.
James grew up in St. Ignace and attended LaSalle High School. After high school graduation, he began cooking at the Flame Restaurant, then Starline Boats. Later he drove for a moving company and did carpentry work before starting his career at Griffin Beverage Distributors in the 1980’s and retired after twenty-five years. He was also a bouncer at Nicolet for years.
James was a lifetime member of the Moose Lodge #999 and a volunteer fireman for the St. Ignace Fire Department.
James loved working and being outside. He also enjoyed making his daily coffee rounds.
James is survived by his wife Brenda (Litzner); daughters; Donna Shipley of Paw Paw, Michigan, Sue Ann St. Onge, Lana Kay St. Onge, Denise (Robert) Maxon and Cara Lee (Doug) St. Andrew all of St. Ignace; grandchildren, Brenda Boyd, Adam Boyd, Tara Burkett, Jason and Jacob Shipley, Gavin St. Onge, Heleana St. Onge-Kissinger, Joshua St. Onge, Michael Lennington, Taylor St. Onge; many step-grandchildren; great-grandchildren, Madison Boyd, Martha Andres and Phoebe St. Andrew; brother, Oliver (Sara) St. Onge of Lawton, Michigan; sister-in-law, Nancy Kammers; and many nieces, nephews and cousins who will all miss him dearly.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Beatrice; siblings, Gertrude (Oliver) LaDuke and Reginna (Ralph) Oglesby.
A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Family Life Funeral Homes 999 S. State Street, St. Ignace, MI 49781. The Funeral Service will start immediately after the visitation has concluded. A luncheon will follow at the Moose Lodge, 2999 Mackinac Trail, St. Ignace, MI 49781.
James’ final resting place will be at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens in Bruce Township, Michigan.
Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
