James E. Stout, 71, of Coldwater passed away Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing surrounded by family.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, July 19, 2022 from 3:00-7:00 p.m. at Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2022 from 1:00 – 5:00 PM with a memorial service beginning at 1:30 PM at the Stout family home, 115 W. Rose Road, Coldwater, MI 49036.
James E. “Jim” Stout was born October 15, 1950 in South Bend, IN to James and Ruth Joan (Barnes) Stout. He graduated from Coldwater High School in 1968 where he served as drum major for three years. He served in the US Army during the Vietnam era playing baritone in an Army Band. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Sienna Heights College and his Master of Fine Arts from Eastern Michigan University.
Jim finally married his long-time “gal”, Laurie (Medendorp) Corless, on January 31, 2014 in Coldwater–21 years together.
Jim was a partner/owner of Stout Excavating for the past 50 years with music as his second career. He was a self-taught musician with a great passion for music. He bought his first banjo in Germany while still serving in the Army. Jim partnered with Mike Gorecki in the late 70’s creating “Gorecki & Stout.” They performed all throughout the tri-state area including several Big Brothers/Big Sisters Concerts. In 1996, Jim began playing solo and later formed the “Jim Stout Band” continuing to play many events in the local area as well as New Mexico, where he and his wife spent the winter months.
Jim had a deep appreciation for nature and loved the outdoors. He was a true “muleskinner” and took his mule(s) with him to New Mexico where he loved riding in the mountains. He designed and helped build his adobe home—High Desert Diamond! He was a gifted artist with an extensive collection of his own oil paintings and sculptures.
Jim couldn’t go anywhere without running into a familiar face and stopping to chat. He was a friend to all.
Jim is survived by his wife Laurie, his children Ashley (Nick) Longstreet of Coldwater, Stacy (Daniel) Knapp of Noblesville, IN, Troy Corless of Boise, ID; his brothers Brian (Kathy) Stout of Coldwater, Jody Stout of Coldwater; his grandchildren Payton and Landen Longstreet, Natalie and Hayden Knapp; nieces and nephews Corbin (Brooke) Stout, Nick (Kristin) Stout, Betsy (Eric) Tappenden, Brock Stout, Graham Raymond and Gretchen Lensky; and many great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by both parents.
Memorials may be directed to the Jim Stout Memorial Fund.
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