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James Richard Sears was as a Detroiter at heart. Born in the City of Detroit on November 2, 1945, he grew up in Delray with his mother Mary Sears and five siblings, Joe, Marion, Margaret, Vincent, and Barbara. Jim developed a deep attachment to Motown music and all Detroit sports teams – even the Lions before they could win more than 2 games a season! Jim’s love for sports became a lifelong calling which drove him to put himself through college. Jim earned both his BA and Master’s in Special Education from Eastern Michigan University. His passion for sports and helping others led him to teach adaptive physical education to children with special needs in the Detroit Public Schools. Over a 35-year career, he coached countless kids at the Special Olympics, always encouraging them with his caring nature and unwavering belief that every child deserves the chance to find joy and confidence.Life took a beautiful turn when Jim married “His Boss,” Mary Ann Bernardelli on July 4, 1969. Jim and Mary Ann welcomed two daughters, Sally and Jill, and later four cherished grandchildren, Ethan, Lauren, Matthew, and Archer. Jim reveled in family moments and always jumped at the chance to walk a colicky baby, shoot hoops in the backyard, ride bikes with the kids, visit amusement parks, and teach his grandkids how to play cards.Jim was more than a father. He was a coach and a champion for his daughters who he coached in softball and in life, nurturing their talents and celebrating every achievement on and off the field. His unconditional support carried them through every stage of life.Beyond family, bowling and playing cards with friends were favorite pastimes. Jim and Mary Ann spent years in bowling leagues, savoring camaraderie, competition, and a few beers along the way. Later, Jim discovered a love for travel. As years passed and the girls grew up, Jim promised Mary Ann a second honeymoon once their kids finished high school. They settled on a trip to Cancun that grew into an adventure that included their adult children, their in-laws, his sister-in-law, and a group of friends. From Key West to Alaska, Belize to Europe, Jim’s zest for life fueled countless journeys. Even after his Alzheimer’s diagnosis, he continued traveling with his grandchildren, creating memories they will treasure forever.Above all, Jim’s greatest devotion was to his family. He embodied kindness, humility, and love in every role—husband, father, grandfather. When Alzheimer’s began to overtake his physical abilities, Jim still played Elmer’s Rummy and UNO with his grandkids, often winning more hands than he lost. When his words faded, he communicated volumes with a well-timed raised eyebrow or wag a of the finger. His gentle wisdom and unwavering support left an indelible mark on all who knew him.Jim will be deeply missed, but his spirit of love and kindness will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.Jim is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Mary Ann; His daughters Sally Sears and Jill Sears, and his four grandchildren, Ethan Coder, Lauren Coder, Matthew Coder and Archer Sears; His sister Barbara McGann, his in-laws Kathy Bernardelli, Bill and Sandee Bernardelli, Mike Dickinson, Joan Jackson, and many wonderful nieces and nephews.The family invites all who knew him to join in laying him to rest. Visitation will be held at Howe-Peterson Funeral Home and Cremation Services 9800 Telegraph Road in Taylor on Sunday, November 16, 3:00-7:00 p.m. with a scripture service at 6:00 p.m. Jim will be laid in state at St. Pius X Catholic Church 14101 Superior St. in Southgate at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, November 17, with a funeral Mass at 9:30 a.m. A reception will follow at The Hungarian Rhapsody in Southgate at 11:00am.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jim’s honor to the Special Olympics Michigan or the Alzheimer’s Association.

James R. Sears

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