James Mercer Binning, of Luther, passed away on Thursday, August 1, 2024 at the Tustin House. He was 91. James was born on March 22, 1933 to James and Lillian (Mercer) Binning in Pontiac, Michigan. He proudly answered the call of duty, serving in the United States Navy during the Korean War. On August 14, 1954 he entered into marriage with the former Julia Ann Giddings in Waterford Township. The couple spent 65 years together until her time of passing in 2019.

He spent his career working for General Motors in Pontiac for 38.8 years, until his time of retirement. In his spare time, James could often be found rebuilding old cars. He was a skilled mechanic, and often offered his friends and neighbors a helping hand when it came to fixing their cars. He had a passion for collecting old classic cars. He was an avid Detroit Tigers fan and enjoyed watching baseball games on TV. He cherished the time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren. James is survived by his loving children, Pamela (Michael) Bryant of Brown City, Charles “Chuck” (Candy) Binning of Luther and Lori (Richard) Hendges of Bessemer; eight grandchildren, Autumn Briggs, Amber Essendrup, Nick Bryant, Ashleigh Byrnes, Louis Hendges, Jessie Binning and Rachael Hendges; great-grandchildren, Brendan Essendrup, Will Bryant, Corey Daniel, Emly Bryant, Charley Briggs, John Byrnes, Eli Briggs, James Byrnes, Meredith Briggs, Dresden Hendges, Josephine Byrnes, and Dominic Hendges; and many other loving family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Julia; parents, James and Lillian; two daughters, Teri Lynn Binning and Brenda Lee Goheen; and son, David Allen Binning. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, August 8, 2024 at noon with visitation held from 10 a.m. until the time of services at Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home in Cadillac. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Binning family, in care of Chuck Binning. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.Hitesman-Holdship.com. The family is being served by Hitesman-Holdship Funeral Home.