James, age 52,  passed  away peacefully on July 20, 2021 surrounded by his family . He was born in Kalamazoo on March 11, 1969, the son of James Snead Sr. and Patricia Triestram. James loved music, family, friends and having fun. He was a hard worker who was employed as a Union Insulator for more than 20 years. When not working you could find him in his “metal room” listening to his music and jamming with friends. He loved animals, especially his cats. James had an outgoing personality and made friends wherever he went.  He loved to brag about making the best chili around and keeping his secret ingredient from all of us. But above all,  he loved his family and leaves them with wonderful memories to cherish.  He is survived by his father, James (Vicki) Snead Sr.; mother and best friend, Patricia (Jamie Louden) Snead; spouse, Tara Snead; stepson, Brysen Beals; step-grandson, Maddox Beals; two siblings, Heather (Bill) Huntoon, Lucas (Nora) Snead; niece, Jacquelynn Houseman; nephew, Zachary (Caitlin) Houseman; his wonderful in-laws, Tom(Penny) Beals and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by both sets of  his grandparents. James will leave a lasting gap in the lives of those who knew him and he will forever be loved and in our hearts.  Many of his friends have shared memories they have of him.  One tribute described him perfectly, ” James was a big, long haired, long bearded, heavily tattooed guy that you could usually find in a band t-shirt. He loved his wife, his cats, and his metal.” Rest peacefully “DMJ”.