James "Rodney" Guest

James Rodney Guest ("Rod") died peacefully at his home in Rochester, MI on August 29, 2025 at the age of 95.

Rod was born on April 22, 1930, in Ann Arbor, MI, to Hubert and Lola Guest and grew up in Monroe, MI. He attended St. John's grade school and was a member of the first graduating class of Monroe Catholic Central High School, now named St. Mary Catholic Central, in 1948. Rod was a gifted athlete who excelled at football and basketball. His Catholic education and upbringing served as the foundation for the rest of his life.

In 1952, Rod obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Detroit before serving in the U.S. Army at Heidelberg, Germany, during the Korean War. After discharge, he became a Certified Public Accountant until his reluctant retirement at the age of 83. He loved every minute of his work and all that was involved with serving his clients.

In 1958, Rod married Maryanne Peltier from Mount Clemens, MI. Their nearly 67-year happy marriage resulted in six children, twenty-two grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren. He greatly prided himself on his lovely family, often carrying around a copy of the most recent family Christmas picture in the breast pocket of his shirt.

Rod had an endless array of hobbies, but he particularly enjoyed birding, square dancing, playing handball, and running – including participating in the Detroit marathon for 16 years. He was always happiest when his children or grandchildren joined him in his ventures.

Rod is survived by his wife Maryanne; his children David (Kathy) of Royal Oak, Stanley (Lily) of Lake Orion, Alan (Amy) of Alpena, Andrew (Karen) of Shelby Township, Marie (Eric) Scheske of Sturgis, and Michael (Michelle) of Rochester; his grandchildren Neil, Jim, Felicia (Sean), Christina, Mary (Michael), John, Jim (Katie), Peter (Megan), Joe, Matt (Abby), Christa, Drew (Kennedy), Mitch, Alex (Lauren), Abbie (Rob), Jack (Andrea), Michael (Rylee), Meg (Leo), Max, Tess, Lauren, and Lucy; 14 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Rod was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters and two brothers-in-law: Gerry (John) Yaeger, Margie (John) Gjernes, and Suzanne.

Friends and family may visit from 4-8 on Thursday, September 4th at Potere-Modetz Funeral Home, 339 Walnut Blvd., Rochester, MI with a rosary held at 7 PM. The funeral will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lake Orion, MI on Friday, September 5 at 11 AM followed by a luncheon in the church social hall. A burial service at Guardian Angels Cemetery will take place at 2 PM.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Central High School, 108 W. Elm Ave., Monroe, MI 48162.

P.S. Please pray for the repose of my soul in your prayers.

(This obituary was written by Rod in 2014 and updated by family in 2025)