James Hal Shannon Sr.
May 24, 1949 – August 2, 2026
Cremation has taken place and there will be a celebration of life on Friday August 14th from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Joldersma and Klein Funeral Home, 917 South Burdick St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made at the funeral home to Elara Hospice. Special heartfelt thanks to Anne, Mary and Janice.
Obituary
Hal passes away on Sunday, August 2 at home surrounded by his wife and family. He fought a courageous battle and is now at peace.
Hal was born on May 24,1949 in Moulton Alabama. He was the son of Albert Shannon and Gladys (Gillespie) Shannon. At the age of 5, the family moved to Kalamazoo where he resided most of his life. He was united in marriage to Gretchen Gray September 15, 1970.
Hal was a man of many talents. He opened the first tanning salon in Saginaw in 1982. He, along with Gretchen and his partners opened health clubs known as Dynamic Health club, Powerhouse Gyms and Fitzone for Women throughout Michigan reaching as far a Florida, Wisconsin, Colorado and Indiana. When he retired, he started a painting company with his sons which continues today. In his spare time, he loved to show cars on the show car circuit winning with his 1957 Chevy convertible at Cobo Hall in Detroit. At the age of 43 he competed and won Mr. Michigan. He has met so many amazing people and lifelong friends and they all hold a special place in his heart.
He is survived by his wife Gretchen of 56 years; sons, James Hal Shannon Jr, Dallas Gene (Kimberly) Shannon; grandchildren, Declan Shannon, Austin Shannon, Kaylissa Phillips and Kelsey Phillips.
