James Lipsett Conley, age 74, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, passed away on February 17, 2024, at the Hospice House of the EUP. He was born on August 1, 1949, in Sault Ste. Marie, to parents Robert Conley and Dorothy (Lipsett) Conley.
James, a proud Irishman, grew up in the Sault area alongside his sisters and brothers and graduated from Sault Area High School. He went on to attend Lake Superior State University. During his studies, he began work for a children’s home where he met the love of his life, Janice Ferguson, and married her on September 24, 1977. He would always tell Janice he wished he met her sooner. Soon after he built a log cabin for his bride and future family, James could build anything he put his mind to. He went on to graduate with his bachelor's degree and found employment with the Michigan Department of Corrections. He worked in the psychiatric unit before moving to the mailroom. He also owned and operated J L Conley & Sons Sports Cards and Supplies selling and trading cards at conventions for many years. After twenty years of dedication, he retired from corrections to spend time with his family.
James was an avid sports fan and loved watching the Red Wings hockey games, both at home and in-person. He could be found watching Hockey Night in Canada. He also had an adventurous spirit and enjoyed fishing trips out to his camp on Ranger Lake in Canada, boating, along with birdwatching, and photography. Later in life he visited South Korea with his family to visit his son and daughter-in-law and fell in love with the people and culture. Most of all, James loved being a father and his two sons, they were undoubtedly the highlight of his life. His big heart went beyond just the love of his sons as he built a huge ice rink for years for local children to come play hockey on. He was also a pioneer of sorts as he built the Sault’s first unofficial skateboard park behind his home which made him a legend with skateboarders both young and old. Any friend of his sons instantly became a friend of his.
James also knew how to throw a good party too, whether at Ranger Lake or Sugar Island. Everyone was always welcome to enjoy swimming, horseshoes and their choice of burgers or homemade Korean food. He just loved being around everyone and hearing and telling the latest jokes. He was a world-class joke and storyteller.
James is survived by his wife, Janice Conley of Sault Ste. Marie; sons, Christopher (Dori Lee) Conley of South Korea, and Dustin (Katie) Conley of Sault Ste. Marie; sisters, Peggy Conley of Sault Ste. Marie, Shawna (Richard) Hansen of Traverse City, Michigan, and Kim Conley of Lansing, Michigan; special friend, Sandy Lahti; as well as his nieces, nephews, cousins; and his dedicated caregivers, Michelle and Kayla who made him smile even on the hard days.
James is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Dorothy Conley; and brothers, Robert Conley and Casey Conley.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Family Life Funeral Home – Sault, 4951 M-129, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, with the memorial gathering from 11am until 1pm and the Funeral Service to follow at 1pm. There will be a luncheon at the E-Free Church following the service.
In lieu of flowers Memorial Contributions may be made to the Ball Hospice House for the EUP, 308 W. 12th St., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
Family Life Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
