James (Mike) Michael “Stills” Stillings, age 72, of Marysville, died Thursday, July 6, 2017, peacefully at his home after an extended illness.
Mike, a loyal and dedicated employee, retired in 2005 from Scott’s Miracle Grow after more than 40 years of service. As a devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church, he dedicated his time serving in his early years as a member of Trinity Lutheran School Board and coach to the Trinity boys basketball program.
Most recently, he volunteered his services by participating in the church food drives, offering his services to paint the school and anything else he could do to serve his church and the community.
Mike, an athlete by all who knew him, was an accomplished basketball player for Fairbanks High School, where he graduated from in 1963. He continued his love of sports beginning a successful career in 1968 playing men’s fast-pitch softball, mounting an impressive win-loss record of 518 wins and just 169 losses. During his career as a pitcher, Mike attended the Pan Am Games as well as the International sports festival twice.
Mike not only participated and exceled at sports, he was more than just a great arm. He dedicated his life to speaking the truth, showing up when no one else would and proudly sacrificing for the benefit of others, most often for his family and those fortunate enough to be in his close circle.
He was born April 9, 1945 to the late Cloyd and Mary Hayes Stillings. He was also preceded in death by an infant brother James and, recently by his brother, Dan. He was also preceded in death by his father-in-law Harold Blumenschein and a sister-in-law Pat Landon.
He is survived by his high school sweetheart of 52 years, the former Eileen “Ennie” Blumenschein; their children Michelle Kaffenbarger of Marysville, Lisa (Mark) Poling of North Carolina and Michael “Tony” (Thomas) Stillings of Cleveland; grandchildren Mason, Avery, Blake and Ashton; mother-in-law Leona Blumenschein; 4 sisters-in-law, Karen Stillings, Carol (Lane) Stillings, Denise (Stan) Thiergartner and Karen (David) Huber, and brother-in-law Wayne Blumenschein; and many nieces and nephews.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Monday at Ingram Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday at Trinity Lutheran Church with Revs. Barry Scott and Kathy Reiff officiating. Burial will follow at Oakdale Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church and School, or Loving Care Hospice in care of the funeral home.
Condolences may be expressed at www.ingramfuneralservice.com.