James Tamlyn

James Robert “Jim” Tamlyn, age 52 of Cheboygan passed away Sunday, September 15, 2024 at home peacefully in his sleep.

He was born in Cheboygan on June 4, 1972. 

Jim is survived by his wife Tracy of 22 years and his children Hayden, Sophia and Gage of Cheboygan, as well as his parents Jim and Suzanne Tamlyn of Mackinaw City, brothers Craig and Stephanie Tamlyn of Grand Rapids, Chris and Renee Tamlyn of Traverse City, father and mother in law Steve and Deborah Thompson of Pickford, brother in law Chris and Missy Thompson of Pickford, sister in law Julie and Marc Kologe of Cedarville along with many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his grandparents Emma and Robert Zurcher and Marjorie and Kayron Tamlyn.

Jim grew up in Mackinaw City, and graduated from Mackinaw City High School in 1990. Jim attended Lake Superior State University. He then attended Northern Michigan University where he received a bachelor’s degree in secondary education. He went on to earn his masters degree from Central Michigan University, as well as a masters degree from Northern Michigan University with a State of Michigan Administration Certificate.

He began his teaching and coaching career at his beloved Harbor Beach Community Schools,  where he taught Social Studies, World History, Civics, Economics, English, and Elementary Physical Education and coached Varsity Girls Basketball and Varsity Girls Track for 13 years.

In the summer of 2023, Jim and his family moved to Cheboygan so he could fulfill his dream of becoming a principal and to be closer to family.

Jim enjoyed reading, cutting the grass, watching sports, the Olympics and watching the Hallmark Channel, especially at Christmas time. Some of his favorite activities: March Madness, people watching, roller coasters, and waterparks.

Favorite memories from his children include family vacations to Florida, Cedar Point, whitewater rafting and traveling to the Upper Peninsula, especially to Marquette.  

Friends may visit at the Headlands International Dark Sky Park on Thursday, September 26th from 3 p.m. through time of his celebration of life at 5 p.m. with Pastor James Seaman officiating.

One of Jim’s famous quotes and he had many…

“You don’t know what you got till it’s gone”

In lieu of flowers, an account has been set up at the PNC Bank of Cheboygan, “The Tamlyn Family Donation”. At a later date, Jim’s family will make a donation in his honor to Harbor Beach Community Schools and Cheboygan Intermediate School. 

Online condolences may be addressed through www.beckfuneralhome.org