James Mathew Marron

06/29/2022

03/26/2018

James Matthew Marron of Lowell, Michigan, passed away from COPD on March 26, 2018, at the age of 87. Jim lived his life fulfilling his passions and dreams. Jim took inspiration from the works of Frank Lloyd Wright to design his family’s home in the Lowell countryside. He along with his wife, Evelyn, undertook its construction as a labor of love over the course of many years. Much of the furniture in his home was designed and built by him, including a zigzag sofa that faces two rooms. Jim was a long time member and past president of the Grand Rapids Amateur Astronomical Association. When GRAAA was looking for land to build an observatory, Jim served on the committee to find a place. After many options were found unsatisfactory, he and his wife Evie offered to lease the GRAAA part of their land in Lowell Township, and the James C Veen Observatory was built there, constructed by GRAAA members, including Jim and his family. Family vacations were often centered around astronomical events. Jim viewed 8 total solar eclipses all over the world. Jim was very involved in local community theater, acting in numerous Civic Theater and Circle in the Park plays. He helped found the Thebes Players in Lowell, and directed and acted in many of their annual productions. Jim was very active in the Lowell Area Arts Council, and served on their board. Merging his love of theater and astronomy and his wry sense of humor, Jim wrote, directed, and produced two low-budget cult films set at the observatory, a murder mystery and a science fiction film. (Think “Plan 9 from Outer Space”) Jim charmed everyone he met, and was a friend, mentor, father figure and grandfather figure to many. Jim loved to travel, and family vacations often included extended family and friends. Jim is mourned by his wife, Evelyn, of nearly 65 years; his son Michael (Ofelia); his daughter Aubrey; and his granddaughter Marilyn Marron (Josh Simpson); brother-in-law Bill (Sandy) Darby; sister-in-law Sally (Darryl) Cummings; and many family and friends. Please join Jim’s family and friends at an open house celebration of his life on Saturday, April 7th, 2018, at LowellArts Gallery, 223 W. Main St., Lowell, MI 49331, from 3-6:00 p.m., where you can hear and share stories about Jim. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the GRAAA and the James C. Veen Observatory online at https://www.graaa.org; Thebes Players C/O LowellArts, 223 W. Main St., Lowell, MI 49331.

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