Faces of Midland: James Cherry
Faces of Midland is a collaborative storytelling project celebrating the vibrant lives of those who live, work, and thrive in Midland.
From Service to Sidewalks
James Cherry has your back
By Trisha Fenby
Photo by Renee’ Deckrow, Captured Studio
Community encompasses everything that James Cherry does. He grew up in a close-knit, loving family, where his grandparents, Nana and Papa, were an integral part of his childhood. He joined the military out of high school and learned that being a part of the team was much easier than bucking the system. When he left the military, he reconnected with a his sister’s friend, Julie, a chance meeting that turned into a marriage and family. Now James works in education, volunteers in the community, and models the importance of connection and caring.
His childhood memories of summers with family, at Nana and Papa’s, surrounded by cousins, instilled in James the simple truth that community starts with family, and that being a good neighbor often begins at home.
After he finished high school, James entered the Army Recruiting Office to tell them for the final time to stop calling. To his own surprise, he realized that joining the military could lead to the career of law enforcement he wanted. Once he was enlisted, he chose to pursue his training as an army medic. While James was never a big fan of structure or authority, joining the military was one of the best decisions he ever made. James recalls one of the most important lessons he learned while serving in the U.S. Army, “You always had everybody's back. We didn’t get along 100% of the time, but we were there for each other.”
He carried this through his entire life. James Cherry embraces community, in everything he does, and finds it gratifying to help others.
“It’s the happiness that I get from simply helping a neighbor.” To James, being a good neighbor means showing up - whether it’s lending a hand with yardwork, marching alongside others in a parade, or simply being someone others can count on.
James has a selfless spirit. He joined the American Legion after leaving the Army in 1998, inspired by his Papa, who was a proud member of multiple veterans’ organizations. In his twenties, juggling bills took priority, and his membership lapsed, until a letter arrived shortly after Papa’s passing. A Legion member had quietly paid his dues, enclosing a note: “hope to see you at The Post soon.” James showed it to Julie and said, “This is something Papa would do.” That simple gesture rekindled his connection to the Legion, leading him to serve as Post Commander for six years before stepping back to focus on family.
Other volunteer work James has enjoyed includes serving as a member on the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund, leading classes with the American Red Cross in the Tri City area and serving as a volunteer coach for the Midland Soccer Club.
Whatever James is doing, he does with his whole heart, “I get involved with something and I get really passionate about it, and then I also have to keep in mind that my family comes first”
His wife of 18 years was a family friend growing up. After returning from the military, he was enjoying a night out with his parents and uncle, when she happened to walk in. They spent the evening catching up. It was a pivotal moment in his life, as he had plans to move to North Carolina, but chose to stay. When James married Julie, he became a stepdad. He is thankful that they all have a close relationship with his son’s biological father and his family. In raising a blended family, James models being a good human by teaching empathy, respect, and the value of a peaceful coexistence.
His military experience naturally led him into a life of human service. From the VA hospital to the Saginaw County Juvenile Center to autism therapy, James has worked with people in some of life’s most vulnerable moments, always grounded in his belief that everyone deserves a chance.
James Cherry is the kind of person every community needs, the one who shows up, follows through, and always has your back. Whatever he is doing, his actions echo into a lifetime of values rooted in service to others. To James, being a good neighbor isn’t just a nice idea, it’s how he lives his life. In a world that can sometimes feel unkind, his steady presence is a reminder that we are never truly alone.