James "Jim" Goecker

James (Jim) Goecker, aged 77, died at home, March 30, on Dauphin Island, AL, in the company of his family. He and his wife Rexalee had moved to the Gulf Coast two years ago to be closer to their daughters and granddaughters after spending their entire married life in Portage, Michigan. Jim was born December 20, 1939 in Flint, Michigan, the son of Louis E. Goecker and Marjorie J. Furman.   Jim graduated from Central Michigan University where he studied math and geography and went onto Western Michigan University where he got a Master’s degree in guidance and counseling.  He spent most of his career teaching mathematics and eventually as a guidance counselor for Portage Public Schools, retiring after 37 years. Some 20 of those years he worked summers teaching drivers education. In 1963 he married Rexalee Westhauser.  After two years in Clio, Michigan, they moved to Kalamazoo where they built a home and lived on Austin Lake, Portage, MI, enjoying the scenery and changing seasons as their children grew up.  Jim was active in the Vicksburg United Methodist Church, Portage Education Association, and Boy Scout Troop 205. Through the Boy Scout Troop, Jim managed to get all his children involved in the high adventure trips, including the tours to the East Coast and West Coast, numerous rafting and hiking trips at the Grand Canyon, sailing trips to the Bahamas, countless spring break trips to Disney World, and Europe. In his retirement, Jim found time to grow his passion for reading by writing his own books. He authored some 20 fictional adventure books and short stories, many that reflect his wonderful sense of humor and great moral character.  He was preceded in death by a son, William James Goecker.  He is survived by, his wife of 53 years, Rexalee; his daughters Rexene (Larry) Wood of Fairhope, AL; Margene (Meg) Goecker (Rob Hansen) of Dauphin Island, AL; granddaughters Hannah, Hope and Molly Wood  and Amelia Hansen; siblings, Barbara Weber, Jane Mauck, Lou Goecker; many nieces and nephews; and a great many friends.  A Celebration of Life will be held on Dauphin Island, April 23th at 2:30 in Cadillac Square followed by food served at the Goecker home.  A service will also be held in Michigan on July 29th at 2pm at the Vicksburg United Methodist Church with a dessert reception to follow.    Memorials may be sent to Habitat for Humanity, Boy Scout Troop 205 at Kalamazoo Presbyterian Church, Heifer Project International, Vicksburg United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice. ARRANGEMENTS BY WOLFE-BAYVIEW FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, INC. 19698 GREENO ROAD FAIRHOPE, AL 36532 (251)990-7775