Eric John Strong
February 10, 1971 – October 15, 2026
In accordance with his wish cremation will take place and a time to honor and celebrate Eric’s life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Strong Family (checks payable to Ian Strong), c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Eric John Strong, age 55, passed away at Bronson Hospital on October 15, 2026. He was born in Kalamazoo on February 10, 1971, the son of the late James and Karen (Jenkins) Strong. Eric loved life and lived it to the fullest. He graduated from Loy Norrix High School Class of 1989 and would remain a lifelong resident of the Kalamazoo area. He worked hard and played hard. He was musically gifted, loved playing the drums, listening to heavy metal music and made many memories with his band the “Bionic Bigfoot”. He enjoyed spending time outdoors and was an avid fisherman. Eric was a “Cadillac Man” who had a passion for the look and feel of the classic Cadillac. He had interesting hobbies, one of which included making and collecting Godzilla figures. Eric was also a gifted artist and painter. Above all he loved his family and was a dedicated and passionate father to his children and stepchildren. His outgoing personality, smile and laughter will be missed by all who loved him. Eric is survived by five children, Eric Strong II, Ian Strong, Gunnar Strong, Griffon Strong and Gilmour Strong; stepchildren, Austin Liska and Chelsea Gray; siblings, James Strong Jr. and Keri Strong; a special niece, Ashley Smith; extended family and friends.
It was always great catching up when I ran into him. He alway made me laugh about old times at Loy Norrix. What made us laugh the most is when we figured out that 10 is the number of Secrets it takes to make you head completely numb. Picking up the back of an Escort in auto body. And the Van doors that we had to fix and paint. We laughed so hard in that class. You will be missed Eric.
You will be missed young man. I’m so glad we were good friends and working with you at Stryker was a blast. Fly high sweet man. Bless your children. I’m so sorry for your loss.
My childhood friend may you rest in paradise
Love you and miss you my brother!!
Man you will be missed
Eric will all miss you the powers family
You are my hero. You are one brave man. I admired your toughness and your steel convictions. I will miss you like nothing else in this world. You are truly, my Superman! I love you Eric!
Your legacy lives on through the most amazing boys. You are so missed and so loved. Ill miss you Uncle Eric. Hopefully youre rocking on your drums giving heaven a heck of a show. Ill miss you incredibly. Until we meet again. 🤘
I’m so glad we were able to catch up and have some great conversations not too long ago. Thank you for the smiles and laughter. Fish and chips will never be the same. You will be missed. RIP my friend. ❤️
My childhood and neighborhood friend. You and Jimmy and I hanging out, talking at my fence, and so much more! You will be missed so very much!! Rest easy now my friend.
It used to be that all the kids and grand kids were visiting everyday at Grandma and Grandpa Jenkin’s house. Then everyone grows up and goes their own way. Every now and then we would see each other and catch up. Last time was when Pam and I saw you at Bronson Hospital. You were on break. We hugged and had tears in our eyes. You truly were such a good, gentle person. We will miss you Eric. Love Cathy and family .
My young Cousin…I have so many great memories of Babysitting uou and Jimmy. Both of you were “Little Pistols.” My love to Jimmy and Keri.