James R. Douglas

James R. Douglas died January 1, 2023. He was 88 years old, and was born June 28, 1934 in Wyandotte, MI as the first of eleven children of Stephen and Pelagia Smigielski. Jim grew up in Detroit, and loved being the big brother of his large family. He proudly served in the US Army in Korea, and following his military service, Jim attended the University of Detroit and graduated with a business degree. He would later earn two masters degrees from Central Michigan University. Jim enjoyed a successful career at Chrysler for over forty years, and retired supervising the Corporate Accounts Payable department.
Jim will always be remembered as an avid University of Michigan Wolverines fan. He sent his two daughters, Karen and Colleen, to U of M, and he hardly ever missed a home football game. One of his best memories was taking a private tour of the newly renovated Michigan Stadium for his 80th birthday.
Jim loved the spirit of the holidays, especially Christmas. For many, many years he collected the Dayton Hudson Santa Bears, and recently donated his collection to those in need to continue to provide comfort and joy through holidays for years to come. Another holiday highlight for Jim was walking in the Thanksgiving Day parade.
Faith was another integral part of Jim's life as a devout Catholic. He was an active parishioner of Holy Name Catholic Church in Birmingham and formerly a parishioner of St. Thomas More in Troy. He was also a a 4th Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus, Holy Name Council 14018 and Assembly 482.
Jim was the beloved husband of Justine (nee Klebba) for 64 years. Loving father of Karen Knight (Dale) and Colleen Douglas (Arnold Nowak). Poppa Jim to Madison Inselmann (Katie) and Austin Inselmann (Erin Hughes). "Paw Print" Jim to Margot and Viviene. Brother of George Ski, Dolores Pietruk, Stephen Smigielski (Ellen), MaryAnn Tampa (late Earl), Theresa Paterson (Dan), Gregory Smigielski (late Sandy), Patricia Zagorski (late Thomas), Cathy O'Rear (Al), and the late Frank Smigielski (Kathy) and Gerard Smigielski (Elaine). He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Family will receive friends Monday (Jan. 30) 3 - 8p.m. at A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home, 2600 Crooks (btw Maple & Big Beaver), Troy, 248-362-2500. Funeral mass Tuesday (Jan. 31) 10a.m. at Holy Name Catholic Church, 630 Harmon, Birmingham. Visitation at church begins 9:30a.m.
Family suggests memorials to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen 4390 Conner St., Detroit; Leader Dogs of the Blind 1039 S. Rochester Rd, Rochester Hills; or Salvation Army, salvationarmyusa.org