James S. Grzesiak

James Stuart Grzesiak - Loving Husband, Father and Friend. James "Jim" Grzesiak was born on February 27, 1966 in Saginaw Michigan to Edward and Amy Grzesiak. Jim grew up with his parents and older brother, Ed. When Jim was very young, the family moved to the Upper Peninsula for a few years and then settled in Traverse City, Michigan. Jim graduated from Traverse City Senior High School in 1984, and then went on to receive a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Michigan Tech in 1989. From a young age, Jim was a driven, hard-working individual as he decided in eighth grade he would fulfill his dream of becoming an Electrical Engineer. After graduation, Jim quickly obtained a job with Ford Motor Company and moved to the metro Detroit area where he lived with his wife and his three beautiful children, Brittney, Joseph and Emily. In 2000, Jim began employment with Siemens Automotive / Continental Automotive, using his engineering capabilities in a Sales Manager role. In 2008, Jim was given the opportunity to be a Director of Sales for TRW Automotive; a job which he enjoyed thoroughly. He especially liked the 'people' side of the business and quickly formed many long-lasting business relationships and friendships which Jim always cherished. In 2004, Jim married Diann Imbriaco and they moved to Beverly Hills Michigan. In 2007, they gave birth to a beautiful daughter, Sophia. Jim was happiest when he was surrounded by his wife and all of his children at their family cottage in Canada. Jim truly loved every moment there with his wife, his children, and his mother-in-law; boating, working outside, and most of all, entertaining family and friends. Over the past ten years, Jim also became very involved with Wallyball and Volleyball and made countless new lifetime friends. He and his wife also joined Historic Trinity Lutheran Church where he enjoyed making many more new and wonderful friends. In March 2010, Jim received a devastating diagnosis; Stage IV Colon Cancer. Over the past three-and-a-half years, Jim endured countless weeks of chemotherapy and four surgeries. Jim did not let cancer stop him from living. He showed remarkable strength and optimism, and inspired family, friends and even members of the medical profession who were involved in his care. Jim continued to work full-time. He was an extremely devoted and loving husband and father. He continued to play volleyball and enjoyed swimming, boating, skiing and taking vacations with his family. If someone met Jim for the first time, they would never know or perhaps even believe, that this was a man battling for his life. He met each challenge with strength, dignity, optimism and even good-natured humor. He made everyone feel at ease and everyone believed that if anyone could beat this disease, it would be Jim. Unfortunately, even with the on-going treatment, in 2011, Jim's cancer began to spread and eventually, brought him to his heavenly home on October 14, 2011. Jim passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his wife, children, brother and sister-in-law, and mother-in-law. The support that Jim received from family and friends during his battle with cancer humbled him. He was overwhelmed and overjoyed with the immense outpouring of love. Even when Jim no longer had the strength to take visitors, he expressed much love and appreciation for all who loved him. May his spirit continue to live in all of us. Beloved husband of Diann Imbriaco. Loving father of Brittney, Joseph, Emily, Sophia, and the late George. Son of Edward and Amy. Brother of Edward Jr. (Nanci). Nephew of Mary Daenzer (Jerry). Son-in-law of Georgina Imbriaco. Also survived by a niece and many loving aunts, cousins and friends. Family will receive friends at A.J. Desmond & Sons, (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel) 32515 Woodward (btwn 13-14 Mile), Saturday and Sunday 1-8p.m. Funeral service Monday 11a.m. at Historic Trinity Lutheran Church, 1345 Gratiot Ave., Detroit. Visitation at church begins 10:00a.m. Memorial tributes to the American Cancer Society, or Historic Trinity Lutheran Church