Gaydou, James Clyde (Jim) of Grand Blanc, age 77, died Thursday, August 24, 2017 at Genesys Regional Medical Center. Jim was born in Crane, Missouri, February 2, 1940, the son of Charles Edward and Willa Mae (Justice) Gaydou. He spent his early years in Missouri where he learned to hunt, fish and farm at the family strawberry and dairy operation. In 1954, Jim moved with his family to Flint, Michigan where his father was employed by Buick. Jim graduated from Flint Central High School in 1958. He married Sandra Kay Wagner and their daughter, Victoria Lynn, was born in 1962. After they divorced, Jim married Elizabeth Powell in 1971. Their son, Matthew James was born in 1973. Jim was an avid sportsman and gun and archery enthusiast. He enjoyed hunting with family and friends but especially with his son, Matt. He was a champion archer in his younger years and continued hunting all his life. He and Matt had planned to be guides at a bear camp in September but he was stricken with a persistent lung condition that took his life. Jim loved speed and enjoyed being a driver and mechanic on racing teams around the Flint area in years past. Jim was an outstanding upholsterer and furniture repairman. In his days as a young man at Gaydou Upholstery and Dinettes, Jim learned the trade from his father. He excelled in this field and was regularly referred to as the very best upholsterer in Flint. His love for nature and living life to the fullest never waned, even as he overcame the physical challenges of a crippling form of Arthritis that made every motion a difficult one. Never complaining, Jim simply made it his goal to overcome and be the best, whatever he did. He succeeded. He will be sorely missed by his family and many friends. He never met a stranger.. He is survived by his daughter, Vickie (Larry) Gorman; son, Matthew (Angela) Gaydou; mother, Willa Mae (Justice) Gaydou of Birch Run; brothers, David L. (Delores) Gaydou of Clio and Danny R. (Lou Ann) Gaydou of Rockford, MI; the son of his second wife Elizabeth by her previous marriage, Andrew Tower who Jim held very dear; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; many cousins, nieces and nephews and numerous friends. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be announced at a later date to celebrate Jim's life and legacy.