Jesse Morris Muma

Jesse Morris Muma, 86, of Bellaire, passed away on June 12, 2026.

He was born on March 20, 1940, in Hayes Township, Otsego County, MI, the son of Donald and Josephine (DeVerney) Muma.

Jesse was a member of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians and loved the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing and logging.

Jesse worked as a logger, carpenter, and a mason. His love of logging inspired him to buy a sawmill and cut logs into lumber. He built his and Cookie’s home as well as their pole barn. In his earlier years, he helped build a barn that still stands today next to Meadow Brook Medical Care Facility in Bellaire. He also helped build several churches in the area.

On December 31, 1983, in Traverse City, he married Louise Jean Marie “Cookie” Taylor who survives. Also surviving are 4 children, Arthur Griffis of Sacramento, CA, Andre (Nordia) Griffis of Traverse City, Anthony Griffis of Nashville, TN, Allin (Tashia) Griffis of Traverse City, 3 brothers, Stephen (Sharon) Muma of Monroe, MI, Patrick (Judy) Muma of East Jordan, Doug Muma of Kipling, MI, 2 sisters, Nina Hawver of Mancelona, Gayla Grocholski of Mancelona, 28 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren with 3 more on the way and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a son Scott Muma, his parents and 9 siblings, Donald “Sonny” Muma, Wilfrieda “Sis” Somerville, Gertrude “Gertie” Behling, Alfred “Al” Muma, Arlene “Vickie” Moore, Lottie McCaslin, Diane Bard, Rodney Muma and William “Billy” Muma.

No services are planned at this time. The family will announce a Celebration of his life at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, 1732 M-32, Gaylord, MI, 49735.

Arrangements are in the care of the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.