Alva James "A.J." Batie, 72, of Bingham Township, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2017 at Courtney Manor in Bad Axe.

A.J. was born on November 19, 1944 in Cass City, Michigan to the late William and Clara (Hutchinson) Batie.

He graduated from Bad Axe High School in 1964.  A.J. was a custodian at the Bad Axe High School and at Huron Tool.  He was a past president of the Popple Trail Blazers.  In his early years, he milked cows for Cliff Robinson.  A.J. loved playing Euchre with his friends, Donald, George and Harry.  His Sunday ritual was always listening to polka music on the radio.

A.J. is survived by his second family: Jim Jackson of Ubly, Jason Jackson of Ubly, Wendy English of Bad Axe, George (Linda) Jackson of Ubly, Harry and Kim of Ubly and Jenny Ray and Joe English.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Gerald Batie and his friend, Donald Jackson.

Funeral service will be at noon on Friday, February 3, 2017 at the MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe.  Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of service.  Cremation will take place after the service.

Friends of A.J. would like to thank the staff at Courtney Manor for the great care he received there.

Memorials may be offered to the family discretionary fund.

Condolences can be shared at www.macalpinefuneralhome.com