Dr. James D. Hively, MD, age 75 of Big Rapids, passed away Monday, March 22, 2021. He was diagnosed three years ago with dementia and recently was being cared for at Big Rapids Fields Memory Care and Assisted Living. Jim was born May 9, 1945 in Muskegon, the son of Henry Samuel and Mary Louise (Wilson) Hively. He met his future wife and best friend, Mary Katherine Kuzma, at Muskegon Senior High School where Jim was a 1963 graduate. He married Mary on May 11, 1968 in Muskegon. Jim continued his education and earned his undergraduate from Wayne State University. He then received his telegram of acceptance to University of Michigan Medical School. Jim finished his internship and residency at Butterworth Hospital Grand Rapids in 1976. He began practicing as a General Surgeon at Grand Haven Community Hospital until 1984. Jim relocated to Crookston, Minnesota and worked 8 years at Riverview Community Hospital. He then moved to Big Rapids, Michigan and continued his surgical career at Mecosta County General Hospital in the fall of 1993 and retired in 2012. During this time, Jim was a member of the American Medical Association. Two decades involvement with community theatre was an enjoyable pastime in both Minnesota and Big Rapids. Jims favorite hobbies included: motorcycles (scooters), love of flight in his paraplane, snorkeling, scuba diving, and pickleball. Jim will be missed by his loving wife of nearly 53 years, Mary K. Hively of Big Rapids; his son, Jeremy (Jacqueline) Hively of Norton Shores; and two grandchildren, Keighley and Bentley. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Henry "Sam" Hively Jr. A Celebration of Jims Life will be planned for June in Marys Garden. Share a memory, picture, or condolence for the family by clicking the guestbook tab at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Cremation and care entrusted to the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Celebration of Life Tuesday, June 1, 2021