James Jurica left Leland, MI on the Manitou Transit mail boat on July 30, 1978. He wanted to go to North Manitou Island to attend a family gathering but was dropped off on South Manitou because the boat did not go to North Manitou that day. Jurica was seen trying to find a boat to take him from South to North on two occasions by campers and residents of South Manitou Island. He was last seen on August 2nd. He may have tried to swim to North Manitou Island which is 4 miles away. Extensive ground and air searches were performed, as well as dives at two sites off shore. No sign of James Jurica has ever been found.