James Carl Clement

April 11, 1940 – February 22, 2025
James "Jim" Carl Clement Jr, 84, of Rochester Hills, passed away suddenly on Saturday, February
22. Jim was born on April 11, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, to Rose and James Clement Sr. He was the
fourth of six children, following Gloria, Joseph, and Ann, and preceding Patrick and George. All of his
siblings passed before him. He graduated from Saint Bernard High School in Detroit where he
played multiple sports, although his passion was football. He later earned his Bachelor's Degree in
Mechanical Engineering from Lawrence Technological Institute as a member of the class of 1978.
Jim met his future wife, Janice, at a party and said it was love at first sight. They married in May of
1970. Daughter Julie was born in August 1971, and son Jason was born in November 1973. Jim and
Janice built their dream home on Hillendale in Rochester Hills and moved there in 1977. The field
behind the house was a favorite place, and Jim proudly was one of the first to mow walking paths
and a par 3 for golf practice. Over many years, he met and formed strong relationships with
neighbors (and their dogs). Jim was a dog "enthusiast" and was especially fond of Labrador
Retrievers. Many who knew him would say he always had a trusted companion with him. He trained
his last Labrador Retriever, Jordan, to be a certified therapy dog and later Jim's service dog. Jordan
would pick up anything he was told and was Jim's regular shopping companion (Costco loved him).
Jim began his career with General Motors in 1973. He worked for the Truck Group, and had offices in
Troy and Pontiac, as well as the Proving Grounds in Milford. He retired as the Engineering Group
Manager for GM Truck. Jim had the uncanny ability to recognize GM colleagues wherever he went.
Amazingly, Jim even encountered a GM co-worker at the welcome center rest area in Florida while
on vacation. His kids referred to these friends as "GM buddies", and Jim developed lifelong
relationships with many of them. He loved meeting them for their weekly breakfast which was a
standing "date" for many years.
An avid golfer, Jim taught both of his kids to play in their early teens, and Jason even joined him on
the GM golf league. Jim was proud of his memorable hole-in-one on August 12, 1995 at the Dama
Golf Club in Howell, Michigan and he played for as many years as he was physically capable. He
also had a strong love for all of his nieces and nephews. Whether they were golfing, fishing, talking
about trucks or celebrating holidays, Jim loved and missed his siblings so much that he immensely
cherished his relationships with their children.
Jim is preceded in death by his wife, Janice. He is survived by his daughter Julie, and his son Jason
(Erika), and his brother-in-law Tom Miriani, husband to his late sister Ann.
Whether he was family, a colleague, a neighbor or friend, Jim is remembered as being unfailingly
nice, always willing to help, smiling and generous. Everyone loved him.
Jim was a big fan of local Michigan sports teams – college and pro. If you would like to dress less
formally, Jim would've loved it if you show up in your favorite local sports team gear. Jim will be
representing UofM.
Suggested memorials to Leader Dogs for the Blind or Children's Hospital of Detroit.