James Thomas Ligon, 96

James Thomas Ligon age 96, of Almont Michigan, passed peacefully surrounded by his family on November 17th, 2024 at home.

He was born October 30th, 1928 in Highland Park, Michigan, the son of James Dimmitt Ligon and Mary Whitlock (Morris) Ligon.

Jim is a 1946 graduate of Almont High School. He earned a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University. He served in the US Army’s Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland.

Jim married Elizabeth Josephine (Jo) Bird April 6th,1957 after meeting her at a Community Hospital Fund Raising Tea in November of 1956. They celebrated 46 years together. They had a full life together raising seven children and enjoying golf, flying, skiing, singing in the choir, farming, and spending time with their family and friends.

Jim worked in various automotive manufacturing businesses, including Vice President of Firestone Seatbelt Division. He also owned Avion Coach Company with several family members up through the early 1970’s. In 1976 he formed Ligon Brothers Manufacturing Company with his brother-in-law Doug Sexton and two of his sons. Jim enjoyed solving engineering problems and developed many innovative patents from seat belts to lumbar supports during his life. He served on many boards throughout his life. His legacy greatly impacted the community.

He is survived by his children, James (Sally) Ligon, Wez Ligon, Catherine Durst, Janet (Paul) McCormick, Jean (Kurt) Fischer and Scott Ligon; 20 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Patricia, Jean, and Richard.

He was preceded in death by his wife Jo, his son Russell, his grandson Benjamin, his brother Bob and his parents.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 from 2:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. at the Muir Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center (2650 South Van Dyke, Imlay City, MI 48444.) Visitation will be held on Thursday from 10:00 p.m.-12:00 p.m. with the Funeral Service to be held at 12:00 p.m. at the First Congregational Church-Almont (201 East St Clair St. Almont MI 48003.)

Memorials donations may be made to The Four County Community Foundation’s, Russell W. Ligon Memorial Scholarship Fund in Jim’s honor (141 S. Main Street Romeo, MI 48065.)

Be sure to share a fond memory of Jim on his memorial page at www.muirfh.com