Manistee Honors James Earl Jones with Celebration of Life

MANISTEE, Mich. (WPBN/WGTU) – The city of Manistee celebrated the life and legacy of James Earl Jones, the iconic actor known for his roles as Darth Vader, Mufasa, and Terence Mann, on Friday, January 17, 2025. The event marked what would have been Jones’ 94th birthday.

The celebration took place at the Ramsdell Theatre, where Jones began his acting career in 1953. He performed at the theater for four years during the 1950s. The evening featured performances by Kit Holmes, Jones’ cousin Tery, his high school friends, and actress Toni Trucks, who shared personal stories about the late actor.

Flynn Earl Jones, James Earl Jones’ son, expressed how meaningful Manistee was to his father. “He talked about the area very often. The last and only time I was out here was for our cousin Tery’s wedding, and that was 20 years ago,” Flynn said. “This trip has been really wonderful, all things considered. Tery’s been able to drive us around and show us where everyone in my family grew up.”

The Vogue Theatre in Manistee also hosted a celebration of Jones’ life, followed by a screening of the classic film *Field of Dreams*, in which Jones played a pivotal role.

James Earl Jones passed away in 2023, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances and a deep connection to the community of Manistee.