James E. Drobena, Age 77 of Copemish died Thursday, March 10, 2016 at The Maples in Frankfort.
He was born on March 30, 1938 in Copemish, the son of the late Thomas & Anna (Kobza) Drobena. James attended Copemish High School. On October 17, 1975 James married Emmaline (Baker) Rossell. His dear wife Emmaline, of 38 years, preceded him in death on January 14, 2014.
A carpenter by trade, James worked for more than 40 years in the building of homes with Darwin Somero, John Nosko, & Marvin Prepejchal Building in Copemish. He was a member of the Congregation Church of Thompsonville, a member of the Betsie River Sportsman Club, and a Life Member of the National Rifle Association. Jim loved the out of doors and took beautiful photographs of nature and wildlife. He also enjoyed gardening, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and woodworking as well as feeding the birds.
He will be deeply missed by his family that includes; step-daughters; Yvonne (Dale) Long of Traverse City, the late Shirley Ann Ewing of Ann Arbor, Joanne (Rodney) Elmore of Farwell, and Connie (Mark) Tiffany of Maryland, 8 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, his brother; Paul Drobena of Thompsonville, as well as by numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim was the caboose of 11.He was preceded in death by five brothers; Tom, Milton, Richard, John, & George Drobena, by four sisters; Ann McCormick, Kate Ashcraft, Bess Sowles, & Elizabeth “Betty” Schuler, one niece, and one nephew.
Cremation has taken place at Oak Grove Cemetery in Manistee. A memorial service will be held at the gravesite in the Cleon Township Cemetery on May 30, 2016 at 1:00PM.
Memorials in Jim’s name may be directed to the Thompsonville Congregational Church, The Betsie River Sportsman’s Club, or the charity of one’s choice.
Please visit Jim’s personal page of memories at www.oakgrovefh.com to share a story or photo. The family has entrusted the Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation center with funeral arrangements.
To share a memory or send a condolence gift, please visit the Official Obituary of James E. Drobena hosted by Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center.
Event information can be found on the Official Obituary of James E. Drobena.