James G. David

James G. David died attempting to rescue Kolton R. David from drowning, Essexville, Michigan, July 16, 2022. Kolton, 4, who was wearing a life jacket, was on a fishing boat in Saginaw Bay amid waves and a large wake when he fell off the back of the boat into the water. David, 62, sales associate and Kolton’s grandfather, was also on the boat, as were Kolton’s father and brother. The father jumped off the boat and swam to Kolton, and the two struggled. David, who was not wearing a life jacket, jumped off the boat and swam nearly 200 feet to Kolton and grabbed him from the father. He then told the father to swim back to the boat, but was unable to reach it as it continued moving under the power of a trolling motor. David and Kolton were separated, and at some point, David lost consciousness. After several minutes, another boat with two men in it arrived and placed Kolton and his father in their boat. They secured David to the side of the boat, as they were unable to lift him onto it. Rescue boats arrived and took David aboard and to a launch, where he was placed in an ambulance and taken to a hospital. Kolton, his father, and brother returned to shore in separate boats. Kolton was taken to a hospital for observation. He inhaled water and had difficulty breathing and a cough; he recovered. David could not be revived; he had drowned.

Obituary

Beloved husband, father, step-father, grandfather and brother passed away suddenly Saturday, July 16, 2022 in attempt of saving his son and grandson. Age 62 years. Son of the late Gerald and Emma (Kestel) David, James was born October 7, 1959 in Saginaw, Michigan. He married Christine Ann Wolny on February 11, 2016. She survives him. Jim was employed at Spatz Bakery for 8 years and then went to Mid-State Bolt and Screw as a sales associate for the last two years. He was a member of the Saginaw Wesleyan Church. He enjoyed camping, traveling, hunting, fishing, gardening and especially spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Surviving besides his loving wife Christine are one son and one daughter, Adam David and his fiancé, Alexis Wohlfeil, Saginaw; Emma David, Saginaw; one step-daughter, Samantha Gerard, Saginaw; three grandchildren, Jared Hawn, Kolton David, Ryker Miller; two sisters, Melitta David, Saginaw; Pam Dashner, Coleman; two brothers, Wolfgang David, Florida; Gerald and Lorie David; Virginia; many nieces and nephews; and his two fur children, Natsu and Angel. Jim was preceded in death by his children’s mother, Joan David; one granddaughter, Lillie Miller; a step- daughter, Jessica Gerard; two brothers, Hans-Jargen Frank and Rainer David.
John 15:13, Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends or family