MUSKEGON — Former Dowagiac resident James Waters, an attorney in Muskegon, and his wife, Nancy (Finley), formerly of Niles, have been honored by the Muskegon Exchange Club with its “Book of Golden Deeds Award” during a special luncheon and award ceremony in their honor.

Muskegon Exchange Club has presented the award annually since 1918 to individuals who exemplify the club’s motto, “Unity for Service.”

According to the Muskegon County Legal News, its recipients list “is a virtual who’s who of past and present Muskegonites who have made outstanding contributions to the community.”

James’ parents, Joseph and Flora Waters, still reside in Dowagiac on W. Prairie Ronde.

James Waters served 24 years on the University of Michigan Board of Regents.

He currently serves on the State Board of Canvassers.

Nancy Waters, the current Muskegon County clerk, is a former Muskegon County commissioner.

The Legal News said their contributions to their community and the state are “vast,” including:

• Donating funds to make the Waters Center for the Performing Arts in the new Muskegon Heights High School a reality.

• Leasing their former radio station building in Hart to the Michigan State Police for $1, which helped save the state police post from closure.

• Establishing the first Muskegon Heights Public Schools Scholarship at the Muskegon County Community Foundation.

• Providing a separate fund at the Muskegon County Community Foundation for minority scholarships and to aid in other minority activities.

• Providing funds for the Muskegon Heights High School lighted outdoor community message sign.

• Contributing to help bring the Amistad slave ship to Muskegon County for viewing and tours.

• Providing funds to purchase the “Tiger Way” sign next to the Waters Center for the Performing Arts.

• Co-sponsoring, with the Muskegon Quilt Guild, an after-school program to teach sewing and quilting to middle school students.

• Teaming with Probate Court Judge Neil Mullally and County Commissioner Louis McMurray to provide the sculpture art piece outside Muskegon Heights High School.

• Providing funds for the Muskegon Art Museum to bring black history exhibits to the museum.

www.legalnews.com