James M. Custer

James (Jim) Melcher Custer of Petersburg passed away at the age of 98 on Thursday, April 16, 2026, in Adrian, Michigan at Hospice of Lenawee.

Born March 6, 1928, in Petersburg, Michigan, Jim was the son of Louis and Mary Custer. He was a 1946 Petersburg High School Graduate.

Jim was a hard worker and a great provider for his family. His first job while he was in high school was with Willys-Overland Company in Toledo where they made Jeeps during WWII. Jim was enlisted in the US Army from September 1946 to March 1948. He began dating Mary Lou Hinkleman after his return. They were married on March 19, 1949, and were blessed to have celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary together. Jim worked at Raymond Auto Sales in Adrian and Whitman Ford in Temperance before making his career at the Ford Motor Company Rawsonville Plant for 25 years. He retired in 1989.

Jim was mechanically inclined and could fix anything. He enjoyed remodeling their home and tinkering on whatever he could in his garage. He loved mowing his lawn with his John Deer lawn mower and was able to do so through the age of 97. Jim enjoyed playing solitaire, sitting on his back porch, watching westerns and game shows, traveling, drinking diet coke out of used disposable cups, and watching his grandkids play basketball. Jim’s grandkids called him Pop. Pop was very proud of his children and grandchildren. He called his great-granddaughters “his girls,” and loved it when they sat on his lap. Jim was a member of the UAW Local 898, VFW Post 6509, and Grace Bible Fellowship Church.

Survivors include his daughter Connie Boll, son Gary (Ron Cisneroz) Custer, and brother Melcher Custer; his 3 grandchildren Stephanie (John) Eby, Jared (Sara) Boll, and Jenna (Lee) Gable; and his 6 great granddaughters Olivia and Elise Eby, Ella and Avery Boll, and McKenna and Peyton Gable.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Mary Lou Custer, parents Louis and Mary Custer and siblings Frances Merhab, Lewis Custer Junior, Robert Custer, Richard Custer, and Georgia Logan.

Cremation has taken place and a ceremony will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Grace Bible Fellowship Church or Hospice of Lenawee.