James Tolly

James William Tolly, age 97, of Beaverton and Big Rapids, Michigan went to be with his Lord and Savior on August 23, 2025. James suffered two major strokes in early January 2023, had multiple additional smaller strokes since then, and spent his remaining days in the hospital, a few weeks in a skilled nursing rehab facility, and the remaining two and a half years in Evergreen Terrace Assisted Living facility in Big Rapids.

James was born on June 15, 1928 to Otis William Tolly and Anna Marie (Rogers) Tolly in Gladwin, Michigan. After graduating as salutatorian from Beaverton Schools in 1946, he went on to study and graduate from The King’s College, in Delaware.

On July, 18, 1953, he married Bonnie Aryn Guernsey at the Dale Methodist Church in Beaverton. They were married 55 years. Together they had three children including Gladys Tolly Scoby, James Tolly Jr. and Kirk Tolly.

James served his country as a member of the United States Army, as a Chaplain’s Assistant. He served for two years during the Korean War, and was honorably discharged in February 1955. His duty included serving a stint in France.

He was a charter member of the Beaverton Baptist Church, and served there in numerous volunteer positions over many years. Most notable in his service at Beaverton Baptist Church was his many years served as pianist. He worked in multiple offices during his career at The Dow Chemical Co. from 1955 - 1990.

Those who knew James were well aware that his passion in life was music. He was a very accomplished pianist, and began making the ivory dance from a young age. During his college years, he proudly served as pianist for the King’s Herald, a musical trio that toured the United States during summers. In 1952 he received honorable mention for the young musician of the year in Philadelphia. While in the Army in France, he served as pianist for an All-Europe singing contest. He was the church pianist in multiple churches, serving from the 1950’s until January 1, 2023, just three days before suffering two strokes. He served as pianist for hundreds of weddings, funerals, band recitals, solo & ensembles, and Christmas and Easter cantatas. He gave piano lessons for a number of years to pass on his passion to younger aspiring pianists. He also created a LP record/CD titled “This Pair of Hands” containing piano and selected vocal music of Christian hymns.

He is survived by Gladys (Jerry) Scoby of Big Rapids and Kirk (Deb) Tolly of Munith; and brother Lowell (Ann) of Midland. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Paul (Sarah) Scoby of Mount Pleasant; Laura (Donald) Schlaud, of Merrill; Karen (James) Tary of Muskegon; and Andrew Tolly of Warren; and five great-grandchildren including Brenton Scoby and Anna Scoby of Mount Pleasant, Paige Schlaud and Benjamin Schlaud of Merrill, and Celeste Tary of Muskegon. He was predeceased in death by his wife Bonnie, his parents, son James Jr, sister Ann Mishler, and brothers DeWitt, John, Milton, and Richard Tolly. Visitation will be on Monday, September 1, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home in Beaverton and one hour preceding the funeral service at the Beaverton Baptist Church.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, 11 a.m. at the Beaverton Baptist Church with Pastor Andrew Norton officiating. Interment and the Military Honors will be immediately following the funeral service, at the Tobacco Township Dale Cemetery, Beaverton, MI.

Gifts in lieu of flowers may be made to the Beaverton Baptist Church.

The family wishes to send its sincere, heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Evergreen Terrace and Elara Caring Hospice for their loving care for Jim’s needs during his extended stay at Evergreen Terrace.

Arrangements are in the care of Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home. www.hallkokotovichfuneralhome.com