Obituary of James Goins

James Elmer Goins was born in Monroe, Michigan on December 2, 1927. He was the son of the late James Elmer Goins Sr. and the late Bertie (Price) Goins. He attended Monroe High School and graduated in 1946. James served his country honorably in 1946 and 1947 during the Korean War as a Private in the United States Army. He married the love of his life, the former Lila Richards, on May 5, 1951 at St. Paul?s Methodist Church. James supported his family as a pipefitter for the River Raisin/Union Camp Paper Company and then at General Motors for many years before retiring from General Motors. He was a member of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church where he shared his love of singing as a member of the choir. He was also a member of the Monroe Lodge 27 F&A.M., a lifetime member of the Monroe Rod and Gun Club, and the Local Union #14. James was an avid outdoorsman, and he loved to fish, hunt, and garden. He enjoyed reading and was a history buff. He loved his family dearly and gave everything he could to them. Until the very end, his family always came first. He will be greatly missed by his family and his many friends. James Elmer Goins, age 83, of Monroe passed away at 6:34pm, Monday, June 6, 2011 at his home. He had been under the care of Mercy Memorial Hospice. His passing, in addition to his parents, was preceded by a sister: Ruth Tomaro and two brothers: Rodney and Richard Goins. His memory will forever be cherished by his wife of 60 years: Lila; a daughter: Karen (Gregg) Hainen of Whitmore Lake; a son: Randy (Diane) Goins of Temperance; a brother: Donald (Jean Amolsch) Goins of Monroe; grandchildren: Jonathan Hainen of Brighton, Michael Hainen of Whitmore Lake, Raeann (Chad) Ramsby of New Boston, Ryan (Robin) Wilburn of Stony Point; and three great grandchildren: Addison, Tyler, and Kinsley. Friends may gather from 4:00-8:00pm, Thursday, June 9, 2011 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185 where a Masonic Service will take place at 6:30pm. He will lie in state from 10:00am until a Celebration of His Life at 11:00am, Friday, June 10, 2011 at Monroe Missionary Baptist Church, 14260 South Dixie Highway. Rev. Roy Southerland, pastor of the church, will officiate. Procession will follow to Roselawn for burial. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or send a floral tribute by visiting www.merklefs.com; Life Stories page.