Mr. James "Bay Bay" Erwin, Jr. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

On February 20, 2020, James “Bay Bay” Erwin, Junior left us at the age of 66 years. His departure saddened us because we all felt it was too soon. He lived a full life therefore; we should rejoice and remember the time we had with him. We measure a full life by reviewing a person’s accomplishments whether it is the accumulation of wealth or accumulation of objects; the enjoyment of life the person gave, and received during their life, and the number of souls touched by that person. Bay Bay lived a full life by all definitions but mainly because he enjoyed life and gave enjoyment during his life. He touched so many of our souls leaving us sadden by his departure. We all know Bay Bay and he would rather put a smile on our face and joy in our hearts rather than focus on the felling of sadness over his departure. James “Bay Bay” Erwin, Junior was born on August 28, 1953 as the baby boy from the union of James Erwin, Senior and Mattie Sue (Atwater) Erwin. In both parents’ world he was commonly referred to as Bay Bay. His popularity was such that he had the distinction of being known by one name, Bay Bay, was christened as such by his siblings because they were trying to call him Baby. Educated in the Saginaw Public School System, Bay Bay earned his diploma from Saginaw High School, furthered his academic training by attending and receiving an Associate Degree from Delta Community College. Bay Bay worked for over a decade for General Motors in various positions. At the time of his death, he was a member of the International Labor Union. A hard worker, he had the skill of an astute negotiator, inherited from his mother, and skilled purchaser and seller, inherited from his father. The union between James and Mattie produced a total of six children. The five siblings remaining from this union are; L. Fallasha Erwin, Detroit, MI, Beatrice King (Stanley S. Roberts), Clarkston, MI, Yvonne (Randall) Flowers, Bridgeport, MI, Brenda and Belinda Erwin, and an adoptive sister, Judy Burton, all of Saginaw, MI. James subsequently met Maggie (Gray) Erwin, deceased, a loving and caring person, whom he wed on November 15, 1968. Together they raised six children all siblings, of “Bay Bay”. They were: Dennis Grays, Timothy Grays, Saginaw, MI, Sherry Erwin, Jacqueline (Darren) Nash, Olathe, KS, Billy James Erwin Saginaw, MI and Stacy (Michael) Erwin Oakes, Saginaw, MI, Dennis (4/18/11) and Sherry (1/1/91) preceded “Bay Bay” in death. He is also survived by an uncle, Charles Atwater of Flint, MI; four aunts, Doris (John) Hinton of Saginaw, MI, Azalene Stephenson, Leenora Gipson, and Clara May Gardner, all of Henderson, TX. The love and pride of his existence was his princess, Chandra Morgan whose mother Debra (Morgan) Brown held a special place in his life. Chandra held a strong and close bond with her father who nurtured, mentored, and guided her to and through her adulthood. “Bay Bay” was also the proud father of twins, James and Semaj Harris. “Bay Bay” also leaves a number of nieces and nephews that include Sharawn Erwin, Kielen King, Schlar Erwin, Michael Horton, Quayshun King, Jennifer Copeland, Ashley Erwin, Jalen Flowers and Kiera Erwin, and a countless number of cousins. We will miss Bay Bay’s presence but his spirit will always be with us. Family hour will take place at 10:00 a.m. with the funeral service commencing at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 535 Cathay Street, Saginaw, MI 48601. Pastor Dennis Laffoon will officiate with interment in Buena Vista Cemetery, 612 South Airport Road, Saginaw, Michigan 48601. Friends may call at Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 N. Jefferson Ave., Saginaw, MI 48607 on Monday, from 2:00 until 8:00 p.m. The family will greet friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m.

Mr. James "Bay Bay" Erwin, Jr.

August 28, 1953 - February 20, 2020