James Phillip Cornwell

Peacefully passed away on Thursday, March 16, 2023, in Battle Creek.  James was born on October 25, 1948 in Battle Creek, the son of William H. and Edith I. (Troy) Cornwell.  He was a lifelong resident of the area graduating from Battle Creek Central High School in 1965.  He worked at Kroger grocery store after high school before being drafted into the U.S. Army at 18, and serving his country in Vietnam.  He married Marie Olson-Cryderman, which ended in divorce, but their beautiful friendship remained very close until the end.  James was employed at United Steel and Wire for 26 years, then with Denso Corporation for 7 years.  James attended Custer Chapel with his mother, brother Ron and other family members.  He enjoyed playing Solitaire, being outdoors, camping, motorcycles, car shows, but most of all being with his family and grandchildren, his pride and joy.

Surviving are his children, Troy Allen Branham, Deborah Kay (Steven) Weston, Jamie Marie (Jerry Smith) Cornwell, and James Phillip (Jodi) Cornwell II; grandchildren, Duane, Mercedez, Christian, Cruz, Gabrielle, Kelsee, James, Savanna, Sierra, Brady, Kiersten, Ben, Nate, Destiny, Emma and Daniel; 18 great grandchildren; sister, Sue (Paul) Haist, sister-in-law, Liz Cornwell, several nieces, nephews and many other loved ones.  He was preceded in death by brothers, William Harold Cornwell and Ronald Eugene Cornwell.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home and Cremation Services.  Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m., Thursday, March 23, 2023, at the funeral home.  Interment with full military honors will be at Fort Custer National Cemetery.  Dinner immediately following at the American Legion Post 298.

Memorials may be given to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516 or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.  www.henryfuneralhome.org