James "Jim" Davis Solon

James "Jim" Davis Solon, age 84, of Spring Lake, passed away on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at home. Jim was born on August 24, 1940, in Oak Park, IL, to the late John and Mary (Davis) Solon. He married Nancy Van Schelven on June 15, 1963, in Spring Lake.

Jim graduated from Notre Dame High School in Niles, Illinois. He attended the Illinois Institute of Technology on a full ROTC scholarship. After earning a business degree, he interviewed with Admiral Rickover and was selected to the Nuclear Power Submarine Program. Jim proudly served his country in the US Navy from 1963 to 1972, as a nuclear submarine officer. After leaving the service, he attended the University of Kansas, where he earned his law degree and had a successful career as an aviation litigator.

Jim was a dedicated member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Muskegon. He enjoyed golfing, woodworking, and traveling. A particularly memorable trip was when Jim and Nancy visited the DMZ on the North Korean side. He found joy in his daily drives by Lake Michigan to "make sure it was still there", and in his weekly breakfasts with friends.

Jim is described by his wife as being a devoted, loving husband, and by his family as a kind, thoughtful, steady presence. He was a gentle, quiet soul who loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He took great pride in their accomplishments.

Jim will be forever remembered and missed by his wife of 63 years, Nancy; and their two daughters, Elizabeth (Daniel) Jackson and Ginger (Michael) Partee; three beloved grandchildren: James Davis (Kelsey) Jackson, Matthew (Claudia) Jackson, and Katherine Partee; two loved great-grandchildren, Mark and Madelyn Jackson; sister, Joan Bergquist; and beloved nieces and nephew.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Patrick Solon; a nephew, John Bergquist; and sister-in-law, Connie Van Schelven.

The Memorial Service for Jim will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Muskegon, with Rev. Daniel Snyder officiating. A private family graveside service has taken place at Lake Forest Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Muskegon, MI.

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