James W. Dubey Obituary
James Wm. Dubey, affectionately known as Bill, passed away peacefully at his home in Sterling on March 20, 2026, with his loving family by his side. Born on August 15, 1944, on the family farm on Nine-Mile, Bill's early years were spent milking cows by hand and walking behind two large work horses as they tilled the land. In 1953, an Allis Chalmers tractor revolutionized his work on the farm, a memory he often fondly recalled. He was the cherished son of the late William and Bernice (Stanley) Dubey.
Bill's life was a testament to the values of hard work and dedication. He was one of the first graduates of Standish-Sterling High School in 1963, after which he embarked on a career that spanned decades at Northern Tube. There he worked diligently during the day and continued his passion for farming in the evenings and weekends. His work ethic was unmatched and his contributions to both his workplace and his farm were immeasurable.
On July 3, 1965, Bill married the love of his life, the former Mary K. Woodford, at St. John the Baptist Church in Standish. The couple was introduced by his cousin Kathleen Dubey at Vincent and Evelyn Dubey's home in Bay City. Together they built a beautiful life, initially living on a small farm on Carter Rd, then on Moores Junction, and finally settling in their present home since 1997. Their union was blessed with five children: sons Bill (Ruth) Dubey, Tony (Madonna) Dubey, Matt (Shawna) Dubey, and daughters Dianna (Ron) Alley and Sarah (Ken) Haines. Bill was a proud grandfather to Angela Alley, Hannah (Kenaniah) Cormier, Levi (Susena) Dubey, Tessa Dubey, Elise Dubey, Aspen (Kyle) Sanford, Aubury Dubey, Katie Dubey, Lizzy Dubey, and MattL Dubey II, and a great-grandfather to Braylin McNew, Colton Bell, Karson Sanford, Raelle Dubey, Ezra Dubey and Ezekiel Cormier.
Bill's siblings, LeRoy Dubey, Albert Dubey, Yvonne View, and Madonna Lorence, will remember him fondly. He was preceded in death by his siblings George Dubey, Ben Dubey, Cheryl Stagray, and Carol Pawlak.
A man of many interests, Bill's hobbies included working the land and farming, which he loved dearly. He was always ready to welcome Sundays or any day when company came to play cards with family and friends. Bill and Mary K. shared a passion for dancing, enjoying many years of square and round dancing together. The creek behind the barn was a source of joy and fun for his friends and family for several generations. A faithful member of K of C Council 2724 and Resurrection of the Lord Catholic Church, Bill's strong love for faith, farming, and family guided him throughout his entire life. Bill was a faith-filled and handy man, always ready to lend a hand or share his wisdom. His legacy is one of love, commitment, and joy in the simple pleasures of life. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his spirit will continue to inspire those he leaves behind.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday March 28, 2026, at 11 am from the Resurrection of the Lord Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. David Parsch presiding, with burial in Resurrection of the Lord Cemetery. Family will greet friends and family at the Church on Saturday from 9 am until time of Mass. On Saturday a K of C Bible presentation will take place at church at 10:45 am. Those wishing an expression of sympathy are asked to consider The Parish Food Pantry or family's wishes.
