James L. Tong, 76, of Quincy, Michigan, battled cancer and passed away Friday, July 1, 2022, at his home.
A celebration of life for Jim will be held Sunday, July 17 at JTs Billiard Bar and Grill from 1:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m., located at 50 East Chicago Street, Coldwater, MI 49036.
Jim was born November 20, 1945, in Marion, Ohio to the late Paul L. and Martha P. (Miller) Tong, and married his beloved wife, Glynis (Brown) Tong, on June 3, 1966.
He is survived by Glynis and their two children, Christine (Bill) Ferguson and Paul (Cassie) Tong; grandchildren, Zach Tong, Colin and Jenna Camp and step-grandchildren Lexi, Madelyn and Danni Ferguson; sister-in-law, Judy Tong; niece/nephews, Doug and David Jenner, Jenny (Young), Jay and Jordan Tong. He was preceded in death by his sister, Doneta M. Jenner, and brother, John P. Tong.
Born and raised on a farm, Jim graduated from Pleasant High School in Marion, Ohio. He went on to attend Ohio State University and served in the National Guard during a time of great social unrest and rioting in the 1960’s.
His career began at a small loan company, and soon enough he landed a job with Massey Ferguson Credit Corporation, moving on to International Harvester Credit Corporation, and then to White Motor Corporation to become the regional credit manager.
Jim always dreamed of owning his own dealership, so in 1979 they purchased Seybert’s Implement Sales and Service in Coldwater, Michigan, where Jim excelled in finance, sales, and at being an entrepreneur.
An avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting, Jim was especially passionate about cooking and playing pool. His interest in billiards led him to start selling pool cues out of his valise, which eventually evolved into another business called Seybert’s Billiards Supply.
His love of cooking and entertaining inspired him to open another business in 2012 called JT’s Billiard Bar and Grill, a place where people can gather to have fun and enjoy food, music, or a game of pool.
One of Jim’s sayings was, “No risk, no reward. The bigger the risk, the bigger the reward. No risk and big rewards is a Ponzi scheme!”
Arrangements are entrusted to the Eagle Funeral Home-George White Chapel in Quincy.
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