James “Jamie” Arthur Sanders

Jamie Sanders, age 57, of Ithaca, died Friday, September 25, 2020, at his home, after a two-year battle with severe depression.

Jamie was born in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, on June 30, 1963, the son of Carold “Sandy” and Nancy (Kennedy) Sanders. He married Shelly Kay Schult on May 1, 1999. Jamie worked as a graphic artist, a cobbler, and most recently as a meat cutter at Meijer.

Jamie had a deep passion for history, and historically accurate reenactments. Jamie’s love of historical reenactments and living history events led him to meeting Shelly, and they shared many experiences playing with history. They would do Revolutionary War reenactments, and would dress up in character to tell Paul Bunyan stories – Jamie’s character was Jean-Claude, a French-Canadian logger who knew Paul Bunyan personally. They would dress up and tour with the Old US 27 Car Tour in their 1929 Mercedes roadster – travelling with the tour from Ithaca to Alpena. One of Jamie’s other passions was tailoring – he created the costumes and outfits that he and Shelly would wear during their different outings and escapades.

Jamie enjoyed learning about many things – especially different cultures. He enjoyed zoos, and learning about the different animals, and was interested in safaris. He enjoyed learning about his own Scots-Irish heritage, and even learned to play the bagpipes. Jamie had recently started looking into starting classes to become a lay pastor in the Presbyterian Church – he loved learning about his faith, and what the church taught. He was a 12-year member of the First Presbyterian Church in Ithaca, and had served as an Elder on Session.

Jamie’s true and greatest love was his wife, Shelly, and their family. Anything he did was best done when Shelly was with him, and his joy was made even greater when their granddaughter Kaelyn was with them. Jamie would say that his life truly began after he met Shelly. Jamie would also say that if you are struggling with depression, please seek help.

Jamie is survived by his wife of twenty-one years, Shelly; his step-son, Sean (Tammy) Schult, of Texas; his granddaughter, Kaelyn; his sister, Cheryl (Ron) Herrst, of Grand Blanc; sisters- in-law Joy (Terry Tidwell) Montemayor, of Texas, and Shari Christiansen, of Texas; his niece, LeeAnn (Drew) Allen; his aunt Ruthann (Robert) Barnes; cousins Gary (Kathy) Anderson, Bruce Anderson, Mark (Carol) Anderson, Floyd (Loretta) Sanders, Brenda Sanders, Cindy (Henry) Mace, Patty (Earl) Martindale; and many extended family as well as countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carold and Nancy.

A memorial service celebrating Jamie’s life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, October 31, 2020, at the Ithaca Fairgrounds at McNabb Park, with The Reverend Christina Jensen officiating. Halloween or historical costumes are encouraged. Memorials may be made in Jamie’s name to the First Presbyterian Church of Ithaca, PO Box 48, Ithaca, MI 48847.

The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.