UPDATE: 78-Year-Old Missing Veteran in Grand Rapids Found Deceased

UPDATE 4:10p.m. 12/5: We are sad to share with you that James Barcus was found deceased on Friday afternoon. As Mr. Barcus was a Navy veteran, members of the Michigan National Guard were deployed to aid in the search. His body was found on the west side of the Grand River near the 300 block of North Park Street. The Walker Police Department responded and is investigating. 

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The Grand Rapids Police Department is asking for help locating 78-year-old James Barcus, who was last seen Thursday, Dec. 4 leaving the Kent County Veterans Home on Monroe Ave NE.

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Mr. Barcus may be dealing with memory issues or dementia, and he doesn’t have family nearby or other known places in the area he might go.

James is a white male with a hunched posture and was last seen wearing blue jeans, an Army green jacket, and a black winter cap. He left behind both his glasses and his cell phone, which means he might have trouble getting around or asking for help on his own.

Police are asking anyone in the community who might have seen James or who knows where he could be to reach out. If you have any information, please call the Grand Rapids Police Department at 616.456.3400.

And if you happen to see Mr. Barcus and it looks like he’s in immediate danger, call 911 right away.

This is a developing story.