James Petroskey

Age 82, died Thursday, October 17, 2019, at McLaren Flint, with his family by his side. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 am on Monday, October 21, 2019, at St. Charles and Helena Catholic Church in Clio. Rev. Fr. Ken Coughlin will officiate with cremation to follow. Jim’s family will receive friends at Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services on Sunday, from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm. On Sunday evening, family and friends will gather at the funeral home for a Life Remembrance Service at 6:00 pm. On Monday, Jim will be taken to church to lie in state from 10:00 am until the time of Mass at 11:00 am. Memorial donation may be directed to St. Charles and Helena. Jim was born on August 10, 1937, in Flint, Michigan, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis and Dorothy (Fitzgerald) Petroskey. Growing up in the Beecher area, Jim was educated locally. Jim married the love of his life, Maritta Jane McNamara on November 8, 1958, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Mt. Morris. She preceded him in death on June 26, 2014. Jim worked in automation design and project management his entire career, retiring from Wright-K Technology. His family and faith were very important to him. Jim enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially at his second home at Higgins Lake, golfing, listening to music and singing karaoke, hosting family parties, and cheering on Michigan State. He loved decorating for the holidays, especially at Christmas, which was always a very special time for him with family and friends. In his retirement years, he enjoyed his Friday Lunches with his Beecher Friends and his Wine and Yard Parties with his friends at Park Place in Clio. Jim leaves to cherish his memory, three daughters: Julianne and husband, Ken Ruhstorfer, Kelley Petroskey, Caroline and husband, Brian Allen; grandchildren: Patrick and wife, Cassie Fergerson, Matthew and wife, Casey Fergerson, Andrew Fergerson, Aynsley Fergerson, Paul and Alex Badr, and Katie and Frankie Allen; great-grandchildren: Isaac, Jude, Miriam, and Madden; siblings: Lois Williams, (deceased), Lonne Petroskey, Nancy and husband, Bob McKinsey, Kathy and husband, Bob Gornicki, Terry Johnston, Paula and husband, John Sivulka, and Mary and husband, John Claya, and a host of nieces; nephews and dear friends. A piece of Jim’s heart was lost with Maritta’s death, and his heart is now full as they have been reunited in heaven!