James J. Volk, 84 years old of Bad Axe, passed away on Saturday June 3, 2023 at Huron County Medical Care Facility in Bad Axe. He was born on May 2,1939 to the late Joseph and Beatrice (Miller) Volk and was a lifelong resident of Bad Axe.

James was a graduate of Bad Axe High School in 1957 and Ferris Institute in 1961, with a degree in Pharmacy. In September 1961, he married Helen Muterspaugh after meeting while standing up together in a wedding. They had celebrated 61 years of marriage and raised four children together in Bad Axe.

James was in a partnership owning and operating Higby's Pharmacy for 40 years in Bad Axe. He always had interns in his business to teach, and employed many "Higby's girls" making sure they could correctly count change.  He also owned and operated Karen & Katie's Hallmark and J.C. Penney Catalog Store.

James was a Rotary member-receiving the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Award, belonged to the Michigan Pharmacist Association, and an active member of the Verona Hills Golf Club. He was an avid member of the Bad Axe High School athletic boosters.  In 2015 he received the Distinguished Alumni award from Bad Axe High School. He was a member of the Bad Axe city council and served on many committees. He was also very actively involved with Sacred Heart Catholic church, serving many roles over his lifetime.

James loved life and had a very large personality. He enjoyed his weekly card games with his buddies, playing poker and bridge, golfing and an occasional game of bowling. You always knew when he was at a sporting event as you could hear his loud cheers.

The Volk house was the fun and safe place to be for many of the teenagers growing up.  Many kids could be found there playing basketball in the backyard, or having a game of pool in the basement. The great "snacks" were a big draw for the hungry teen age boys.

James and Helen enjoyed their life at their cottage at Oak Beach and having friends and family over for visits.

James is survived by his wife Helen; sons Joseph (Angela), Jonathan, David (Tracy) and daughter Karen; grandchildren Ashley (Tyler) Travis, Aaron, James, Max, Jacob and Joshua; great grandchildren Olivia and Lily.

Funeral service for James will be held on Tuesday June 6,, 2023 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at 11:00 AM, with Fr. T. J. Fleming officiating, with burial following in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation will be on Monday June 5, 2023 at MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe from 4:00-8:00 PM, and at 10:00 until the time of service on Tuesday at the church.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude and thanks for the excellent care given to James during his time at the Medical Care Facility.

Memorials may be offered to St. Hubert's Parish Food Pantry.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.macalpinefuneralhome.com.