James Lee "Jim" Armstrong, age 70 of Three Rivers, died Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. He was born in Kalamazoo on June 16, 1938 the son of the late Robert and Virginia (Asmus) Armstrong. He competed in gymnastics as a teenager, and continued to compete even after contracting polio at the age of 14. Jim graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School and later from State Technical Institute in Pine Lake. He was employed as a draftsman for both the Eaton Corporation and Parker-Hannifin in Kalamazoo. Jim moved to Three Rivers in 1994 where he was a member of the American Legion; the Three Rivers Aerobatic Aces; the American Models of Aeronautics; and served on the Board of Directors at the Three Rivers Airport. He enjoyed building dragsters, and fishing on Lake Michigan. Jim is survived by 2 sons, Patrick Armstrong of Kalamazoo and Jeff Parise of Chicago; 8 grandchildren, Tyler, Amber, and Ryan Armstrong, Kaitlynn Sheldon, Chadalena Redmon, Vincent, Zander, and Kenny Parise; 1 brother, Robert (Pat) Armstrong of Prescott, AZ, 2 sisters, Deloris Mattix of San Antonio, TX, and Debra (Mark) Zulauf of Kalamazoo; and by several nieces and nephews. Cremation has been conducted. The family will receive friends on Monday, Jan. 12, 2009 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Eickhoff, Farrand, Halverson Chapel in Three Rivers. Memorial services will begin at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the funeral home with Rev. Joan Herbon, Pastor of the Lord of Life Lutheran Church officiating. Memorials will be directed to The United Way. Online register and condolences may be left at www.efhchapel.com