James (Jim) Edward Place, age 69, passed away at home on December 25, after a courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by the love of his life, wife Barbara, his three sons Jeffrey (Dana), Brian (Cory) and Christopher (Kathy), and six grandchildren. Also surviving are his three siblings: Karen (Louis) Zaidan, Robert (Judie) Place, and Barbara (David) Whitney, as well as five nephews and nieces and five great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, James C. and Betty Place.
Jim was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend known for his zest for life. A lover of music and a lifelong sports fan, he enjoyed Michigan State and Lions football, Tigers baseball, and any sport played by one of his sons. In his leisure time he could often be found playing softball, golfing, bowling, or playing darts in a local bar. He was known to always have a big smile, a kind word or compliment, a hearty laugh, and would offer you a drink the moment you stepped into his home.
Born May 11, 1947 in Wyandotte, Michigan, he was the first of four children. His sisters Karen and Barbara Jean, and brother Robert remained each other's best friends throughout Jim's life. As adults, Jim and Karen and their spouses enjoyed traveling and sharing delicious meals with family, especially desserts baked by Karen. Jim's brother Robert (Bob) was not only his brother's best friend, but also his colleague at Ford Motor Company. Bob and Jim could often be found sharing a fine glass of bourbon, having a laugh, and comparing stories about their kids and grandchildren. James' other sister, Barbara Jean, greatly enjoyed teasing her brother about his failed attempts to fix household things, including the time he flooded the upstairs bathroom while she sat downstairs in the "rain". All three of Jim's siblings will remember him as the "best big brother ever" and as one of the finest men each has ever had the privilege to know.
Jim was a 1970 graduate of Eastern Michigan University. After graduation he joined Ford Motor Company where he spent his entire career, following in his father's footsteps. While in school at Eastern he met Barbara Ann Felska who fell in love with him at "first sight". They were married on June 25, 1971. Barb and Jim settled in Allen Park and then Dearborn Heights, and were known for the many wonderful parties they threw in their home. Raising three boys was an adventure that James and Barbara joyfully embarked upon together, along with the many other adventures they shared during their 45 year marriage. Their three sons – Jeffrey, Brian and Christopher, were their pride and joy. Jim loved being a father and at every football game, graduation, wedding, and later the births of his grandchildren, Jim was seen beaming with pride. Jim's sons have many beautiful memories of their childhood, including family trips, their dad telling them scary stories around a campfire, holidays, and so much more.
Jeffrey and Dana's daughter, Ava, was the apple of Jim's eye, as was her younger brother Brayden. Brian and Cory's children, James and Elizabeth were beloved by Grandpa Jim, as well, and Christopher (Kathy)'s children, Cooper and Harper, loved nothing more than a sleepover at grandpa's house. His children and grandchildren will feel his loss acutely for a very long time, but are heartened to recall the many wonderful stories and memories that live on. Memorial gathering at the O'Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home, 41555 Grand River Avenue, Novi 248-348-1800 on Sunday, January 15, 2017 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm with a Scripture Service at 7:00 pm.
Memorial gathering Monday, January 16, 2017 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 133 Orchard Drive, Northville from 10:30 am until time of funeral liturgy 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org .