James "Jim" P. Melton

James Peter Melton left to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at the age of 88. Jim, a Saginaw native, was born December 10, 1937 into the Catholic family of the late Orville and Margaret Melton. He married the love of his life, Frances K. Watz, and remained married to her until her passing in 2015. Jim was a hard worker—he was employed as a craftsman at Frimberger and Harris Sheet Metal and ran several Shell gas stations throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region. He was an avid outdoorsman and lover of sports, especially the Detroit Red Wings hockey team and University of Michigan football team. His family has lost a wonderful father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and he will be dearly missed.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his infant sister, Patricia Ann, and brother, Robert Melton; and his wife, Frances Kay. He leaves behind his brother, Thomas Melton; his eight children, Francis Melton, Chris (Larry) Bowker, Jim Melton Jr., Margaret Siegrist, Angela (Andy) Divo, Mike Melton, Gerald Melton, and Jeffery Melton, along with seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. His family would like to extend a special thank you to Red Oaks Adult Foster Care, whose staff diligently and compassionately cared for Jim in his final months. To honor Jim’s wishes, cremation and a private family service will take place. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim’s honor to the Wounded Warrior Project at support.woundedwarriorproject.org