Jim Michaud

MICHAUD, Jim, age 78, of Kettering, OH, passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025. Jim was born on September 16, 1946 in Fort Collins, CO, and was one of fifteen children born to the late Paul and Berniece (Stadelman) Michaud. He was raised in the Fort Collins area and graduated from Fort Collins High School before continuing his education at Colorado State University. Jim earned his B.S. in electrical engineering and worked a short time for Dow Chemical after graduation before taking a job at Bendix and moving to the Dayton area. After 15 years at Bendix, he went on to work at Hyde Park Electronics for several years before he and a co-worker started their own business, Prime Controls, in 1992. He had a long and successful career before his retirement from Prime Controls in 2019. 

Shortly after relocating to Dayton, Jim met his future wife Marilyn Fonte, whom he married in 1970. He and Marilyn raised their six children in the Dayton area and were longtime members of St. Francis church, where he was heavily involved in RCIA and other church programs. Jim was always passionate about helping others, whether that meant drywalling a basement, rewiring a house, or lending a listening ear. He enjoyed traveling, with much of that involving trips back to Colorado and parts out west to visit family. Above all, he was most passionate about his family and was happiest when they were gathered together. His devoted and selfless spirit will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his infant sister Margaret.

Jim is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marilyn Michaud; children, Andi and husband Paul Knodel, Melanie and husband Paul Bergsten, Jamey Michaud, Margaret Michaud, Kelly Michaud, and Ryan Michaud; grandchildren, Alex Knodel, Ethan Knodel, Hunter Bergsten, Chase Bergsten, Wensday Michaud, and Mason Bergsten. He is also survived by thirteen siblings, Catherine, a Sister of St. Joseph of Concordia, Kansas, Bob and wife Cindy, Gene and wife Gail, Dan and wife Terry, Alice and husband Wes Eades, Dale Michaud and former wife Cathy Ann, Jerry and wife Joan, Betsy and husband Ted Craig, Greg and wife Patty, Ginny and husband Gary Dissette, Tim and wife Heather, Chris and wife Nancy, Dennis and wife Susie, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on March 7 at St Francis of Assisi, 6245 Wilmington Pike, Centerville, OH 45459, with a visitation being held prior from 9:30 am - 11:00 am. Burial at St Kateri Preserve at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.