James Richard Manning

James Richard Manning, Sr. of Romeo, formerly of Brighton, MI died unexpectedly at home on July 13, 2022 of natural causes. Jim, 79, was born exactly one year after his brother, Larry, on October 22, 1942 in Chicago, IL to Robert Richard and Shirley June (Fry) Manning. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1960-1970. By the time he was 19, he had earned the rank of E-6, making him the youngest Staff Sergeant in the Corps at that time. He served as a drill instructor, embassy guard, and one tour in Vietnam. Although he left the service after ten years, he remained always faithful to the Corps and his country.After being pen-pals for a year, he married Diana Bakowski in 1964. Together they raised three children. After his service, he had a long career in retail and manufacturing before retiring in 2010. Jim found purpose in being of service to others. He volunteered at the Henry Ford Cancer Center bringing coffee and cheer to those in treatment. He served in the Knights of Columbus of the St. John Vianni Parish. He was an avid supporter and unofficial photographer for all his 12 grandchildren’s many activities. Always up for something new, he took up woodworking in his 70s crafting American flags and was a regular golfer (not good, but regular). Jim’s family is most proud of the loving, generous, and inspirational husband, dad, grandpa, and friend that he was. The example he set and role model he was passed invaluable lessons to his family that will live on in succeeding generations and never be forgotten. Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years, Diana; son Jim (Kristy) Manning; daughters Judy (Craig) Tobey; Laura (Brad) Morris; Danielle (Troy) Reed; nephew Andy Manning; twelve grand kids and five great-grand kids. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Larry Manning. Visitation will be Saturday, July 16, 2022 from 3-8 pm at Malburg Funeral Home in Romeo, MI. His cremains will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI. Family and friends are encouraged to share remembrances and condolences online at www.henrymmalburg.com.