James Michael Kinna

James Michael "Mike" Kinna, age 89, died peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 in Birmingham, MI following a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease.
His tenure as a life-long resident of the Detroit area began on April 3, 1934. He was the oldest son of Michael James Kinna and Mary Kathleen Caraher and the loving older brother to Carol, Margaret, Marilyn "Lynne", Joanie and Neil. Mike grew up in Northwest Detroit, attending St. Gregory the Great Catholic Elementary School and Detroit Catholic Central High School. After graduating in 1952, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and was stationed in Miami Beach, Florida. Following his service, he attended Wayne State University and embarked on a successful 47year career as a sales agent for the Automobile Club of Michigan.
On February 4th, 1956, Mike married the incomparable Marilyn Ann Lynch, the love of his life. The couple eventually settled in Birmingham where they raised a large, lovely, Irish-Catholic family. A man of deep and abiding faith, Mike was actively involved in St. Regis Catholic Church and school, Brother Rice Dad's Club and Marian High School Dads' Club.
Mike cherished his summers on Mullett Lake in Indian River where he watched his family grow with children of their own. Besides his travels up north, he visited Ireland several times, notably Limerick County–home of his great grandfather. He was proud of his Irish heritage and rewarded his grandchildren with a crisp dollar bill when they greeted "Pop Pop" with an enthusiastic– "it's a great day for the Irish!"
When he wasn't making friends at work or volunteering his time to others, Mike could be found rooting on his Detroit Tigers, Lions and naturally, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. In his later years, Mike wintered in Green Valley Arizona where he enjoyed visits from his children before eventually finding his way back to Birmingham where he could be near family.
Mike is preceded in death by his beloved wife Marilyn, daughter, Bridget Kinna and son in-law Rick Shimp. He is survived by his sons and daughters, Kathleen (Steve) Dietzel, Michael (Beth) Kinna, Maureen (Steve) Gross, Geraldine (John) DiIorio, Martin (Cara) Kinna, and Margaret "Maggie" (Billy) Currier. He is the cherished grandfather of Fred, Rory and Katie Shimp, Rebecca (Eric) Weiner and Sarah (Lauri) Luosta, Clare, Grace, Lucy and Michael Kinna, Bridget (Tim) Sullivan, Michael (Billie McLeod) Gross, Ryan (Ellen) Gross and Stephen Gross, Cole (Kelsey) and Connor Kinna, Molly (Craig) Panzica and Samantha (Chandler) Converse and Mary Kate and Matthew (fiancée Chelsea Merrill) Currier. Mike is also survived by his siblings, Carol (Carl) Kolp, Margaret (the late Bob) Gurzick, Marilyn "Lynne" (Don) Collister, Joanie (Jim) Rivard and Neil (Debbie) Kinna, great-grandchildren, Ben, Emma, Madelyn, Lily, Quinn, Theo, Colin, Chance, Gio, Ozzie, and one yet to be born, many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews, his faithful friend and Dadministrative Assistant, Jay Gonzales, and a host of loving friends who join with the family in mourning the death of a beloved man and giving thanks to God for his life among them.
Friends may visit at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Road, (between 14 &15 Mile Rds.) Clawson, Sunday, August 20th, 2-8pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Regis Catholic Church, 3695 Lincoln, Bloomfield Hills, Monday, August 21st, 10 am. Friends may visit at church beginning at 9:30am. Mike's final resting place will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield.
Memorial donations may be made to Marian High School, Brother Rice High School, or a charity of donor's choice.