James Best, 70

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James (Jim) Merle Best, 70, of Auburn Hills, MI, died Friday, May 15, 2015, at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, MI.

Mr. Best was born March 5, 1945, in Hillsboro, the son of Merle and Margaret (Toberman) Best. He grew up in Butler Grove and Hillsboro and graduated Hillsboro High School in 1963.

He enlisted in the Air Force in 1964 and served in Germany and Vietnam. He left the Air Force in 1971.

He married Deborah Niemi in April of 1981 and they later divorced. He followed in his dad's footsteps and spent his working life as a long haul truck driver. He drove for Pyramid Van Lines and Freiborn Industries located in Pontiac, MI.

Mr. Best leaves two dearly loved sons, Jacob Merle Best of Clawson, MI, and Joshua James Best of Royal Oak, MI. He is also survived by two sisters, Connie Wiesendanger of Calahan, FL, and Carole Brown, Golconda.

He was active in and held several offices in American Legion post 14. Memorial gifts may be directed to the Butler Union Church, any local American Legion post or any local veterans group.