A bit like Forrest Gump, James Arthur Byers learned early that life can be like a box of chocolates—or, more precisely, like a maimed chocolate bunny. One Easter, when he was a youngster, James’ mother sent him a chocolate Easter bunny. But when James opened the box he quickly discovered that someone had gotten to it ahead of him. Only the bunny’s hoppy little chocolate feet remained.

Little James was devastated, as any child would be. But that maimed chocolate bunny may have been a metaphor for James’ life. From the day of his birth in Norfolk, Virginia, on September 11, 1927, despite life’s many attempts to devour him, James always remained on his feet—often gnawed on, but never consumed.

One of the first bites James overcame—even before the bunny burden—was his parents’ divorce. Following that ordeal, James—or Jim, as he soon came to be known—was shuffled around to various relatives. But the upside was that, over the years, Jim developed close relationships with his grandparents as well as various aunts and uncles. Exposure to many relatives surely added to Jim’s diverse interests.

And, indeed, even as a child, Jim had many interests: playing with his dogs, listening to music, and going to movies were among his favorites. He said he knew the name of every movie star from the 1930s and 40s. Of course, Jim’s love of music didn’t stop with just listening, as he had no qualms about singing along. Jim’s love of meeting new people was a perfect complement to the star he was. He would eventually start taking a place on stage with many choirs and musicals. Practice makes perfect, and Jim loved to be perfect, a prepared man in both business and pleasure.

But childhood gave way to the inevitable aging process. Jim grew up and graduated from high school. And then life—like a box of chocolates, or chocolate bunny feet—beckoned him, sending him on new and varied adventures, first as a member of the U.S. Army. Through 1944 and ‘45, Jim served in the 182nd Special Regiment, Calvary Detachment in Fort Meade, Maryland. Like many veterans, Jim spoke little of his time in the military.

Following his honorable discharge from the army, Jim moved to Philadelphia where, for the next 25 years, he worked for the U.S. Postal Service. But then, at a time when many begin to plan for retirement, Jim resigned from his postal service job, not to take life easy, but to enroll in college. In 1976, at the age of 49, Jim graduated from Temple University with both a B.S. and M.S. in special education. Now that’s landing on one’s feet.

On June 18, 1983, at age 56, Jim—previously too busy with life’s other adventures—married the love of his life. He and Jeanne Gould Burger were married at Christ Episcopal Church in Norway, Maine. The newlyweds honeymooned on Cape Cod and Plimouth Plantation National Historic Site. Then, he and Jeanne spent the remainder of their joyful lives together in their large, Edwardian style home—filled with treasured antiques and art objects—in South Paris, Maine.

Jim had no children of his own, but he doted on Jeanne’s children, Susanna and David, just as he adored their mother. And later, he also cherished David’s children, Autumn and Josh. And he even traveled all the way to China to help Susanna as she adopted her and Michael’s daughter, Elspeth. Enjoying time with his family, he would become known for sharing his “different tastes” in the culinary world. He absolutely couldn’t get enough peanut butter. Now that isn’t so strange, but putting it on everything, including pizza, spaghetti, eggs, and casseroles, is a bit…adventurous. Jim was famous for his kitchen sink sandwiches. Ingredients included spam, boiled eggs, of course peanut butter, and mustard, just to name a few. “I love leftovers! Lovely, lovely leftovers!”, Jim would sing.

Travel was nothing new to Jim. Over the years, he visited family in Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan. In addition, he made excursions to sites as diverse as New Orleans, parts of Florida, the Carolinas, Utah, several Civil War sites, and, not to be missed, the Grand Canyon. But Jim and Jeanne often ventured overseas as well, and not just to China. They also took several trips to England, especially enjoying tours of old cathedrals. They even took a trip through Greece and Turkey, following the travels of the Apostle Paul.

But like most people, Jim and Jeanne’s life together—despite their travels—was mostly what many would call quiet. At home, when he wasn’t gardening or playing with grandkids, Jim enjoyed reading; Civil War history and theology books were among his favorites. You could often find him and Jeanne sitting in their red and green velvet chairs enjoying a libation, listening to soothing classical music. He so appreciated the arts, including ballet and operas, especially Verdi.

But mostly, Jim just enjoyed spending time with his beloved Jeanne, whom he never tired in complimenting. “You were the prettiest girl in the room,” he often told her as they returned home from outings. Jim’s final days with Jeanne were spent being the ultimate caretaker. He never left her side, even making sure to eat every meal with her. They were true soulmates. When Jeanne died in 2016, Jim’s heart was broken. He’s no doubt ecstatic now, having been reunited with her following his departure from this life on January 25, 2018. There are so many things that will be missed about Jim. From his simple compliments he gave to those wearing pink, he adored the color, to the giant bear hugs he gave to everyone he met. Jim never knew a stranger, and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

That difficult day, long ago, when young James found the chocolate bunny feet in the bottom of the box, must have been distressing at the time. But it foreshadowed the life of a strong, resilient, determined man who would always absorb life’s hits and remain standing, striving, thriving, and loving—always loving—just ask anyone who knew James Arthur Byers.

Jim was predeceased by his parents, brother, and wife Jeanne. He is survived by his stepchildren, Susanna Burger Muzzin of Farmington Hills, Michigan and David Burger of South Paris, Maine; son-in-law Michael Muzzin; and grandchildren Elspeth Muzzin of Farmington Hills, and Autumn and Josh Burger of Indiana.

Jim's memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, February 1st, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills. Memorial visitaiton will continue on Friday, February 2nd, at 12:30 p.m. until the time of his memorial service at 1:30 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church, 39200 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Christ Episcopal Church in Norway, Maine or Hope Lutheran Church, Farmington Hills, Michigan.