James Crawford Underwood, 89, of Battle Creek, passed away Thursday, January 5, 2017 at Bronson at Home Hospice. He was born June 12, 1927 in Rhea County, TN the son of Alanzo and Flossie (Yates) Underwood. Jim served in the United States Army during WWII. He was in the Anti-tank Company 33rd Infantry Regiment and received a World War II Victory Medal. Jim married Lois Chilton on November 25, 1948 in Battle Creek. He was employed at the Clark Equipment Company for 37 years before his retirement in 1983. Jim enjoyed walking, playing cards and checkers, and spending time with his friends and family. He was a member of the Bedford Masonic Lodge 207 F & AM, The Battle Creek Shrine Club, and Christ United Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Lois; children, Michael (Irma) Underwood and Cathy (Chris) Burrows; sister, Doris Rogers; 3 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Allen, Harlon and Seaborn Underwood, Malcom Yates, Elsie Green, Minnie Nelson, and Christina Ober; half-brothers, Eugene, Luther, Sherman, Walton, and Winford Underwood; and half-sisters, Kate Perkinson, Lucille Rynes, and Zetta Wolney.
Visitation will be held Sunday from 4:00-6:00 PM at Bachman Hebble Funeral Service. Funeral services will be held Monday at 12:00 PM at the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service with Pastor James Chilton and Pastor Brian Steel officiating. Burial will be at the Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI. Memorial tributes may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or Battle Creek Shrine Club.