James Franklin Nanegos

Update as of 12/16/2025

***A visitation will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, beginning at 11:00 a.m., at Cheboygan Church of the Nazarene. The funeral service will be at 12:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Jon Schott, followed by a luncheon. ****

James Franklin Nanegos, age 67, of Cheboygan, Michigan, passed away on December 13, 2025, at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital.

James was born on July 3, 1958, at Monroe Hospital in Monroe, Michigan, to Gerald and LaRaine Nanegos. He spent his early years in New Boston, Michigan, later moving to Romulus, where he attended school and grew up surrounded by his parents and five siblings.

James was a considerate, hardworking, and well-traveled man who made friends wherever he went. He had a natural ability to put people at ease—whether strangers or lifelong acquaintances—and was known for his warmth, generosity, and steady presence. A painter by trade and a true jack of all trades, James worked as a freelance handyman and traveled frequently for work, contributing his skills to businesses and organizations throughout Michigan and beyond.

James took great pride in his work, especially in the ways it allowed him to serve others. He often helped his church with repairs and improvements, from drywall and painting to getting things working when they were needed most. His legacy lives on throughout Michigan in the many spaces shaped by his hands, his care, and his willingness to help. He also carried a quiet curiosity about the wider world and was grateful to have experienced Asian cultures.

James’ passion for serving others extended beyond his work. He frequently volunteered at the Nehemiah House in Petoskey, Michigan, where he took pride in offering help and hope to those facing difficult times.

In his free time, James loved being outdoors. He enjoyed taking family and friends on picnics, hiking and exploring nature, and tending to his plants, including his cherished Christmas cactuses. He also took great pride in caring for his vehicles and property, showing attention and respect for everything he owned.

James is survived by his four children: Paul Nanegos, YaLynn Nanegos, James Nanegos, and Jenny Nanegos; his grandsons, Cameron, Gabriel, and Nero; his sisters Jean Trousdale, Jerri Lynn (Gary) Barker, Barbara Morrill, and Ruth Charbonneau; and his brother Bernard “John” Morrill.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and LaRaine Nanegos; his children Johnathan Nanegos and Baby Nanegos; and his brother-in-law Ray Trousdale.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, December 20, 2025, beginning at 11:00 a.m., at Cheboygan Church of the Nazarene. The funeral service will be at 12:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Jon Schott, followed by a luncheon. 

Flowers are welcome; memorial contributions may also be made to the Nehemiah House in Petoskey or the Cheboygan Church of the Nazarene.

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