James H. Stanke

James H. Stanke, age 84, of Flushing, went to be with his Lord & Savior after battling a series of health complications, on Thursday, October 30, 2025. Visitation will begin at 11:00am on Friday, November 7th, 2025, at Grace Lutheran Church, 2526 Corunna Road in Flint, Michigan, and continue until the Memorial Service at 1:00pm, with dinner immediately following the service. Those wishing to write condolences may do so by visiting his obituary page found at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com. Sharp Funeral Homes - Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Rd, Swartz Creek, has been entrusted with funeral arrangements.

James was born on December 20, 1940, in Ionia, Michigan to the late Harold & Francis (Walsh) Stanke. He graduated from Utley High School, class of 1958. James started his Electrical career with Dearing Electric, where he worked on residential homes, apartment buildings and commercial buildings. He especially enjoyed the commercial work, and in his later years he fondly thought back on the numerous large -building projects he had been privileged to work on. He continued his independent work even when he was hired into General Motors in the 70's where there too, he worked as an electrician. He married the love of his life, Carol M. Paymar on August 27, 1960. Together they were blessed with their three sons, Kevin, Keith and Korry.

James retired in 2006; however, he made sure he kept busy. James not only was a skilled electrician, but he was an expert handy man and carpenter. Whether it was his own house, a family member, friend, neighbor or Church, he was always lending his skills and knowledge to help others with their building and maintenance projects. Helping others is what gave him purpose and made life fulfilling. James had always followed and watched NASCAR, but in recent years he fell in love with watching old westerns like Gun Smoke. Above all, James loved God and his family, and lived his life selflessly by always serving others.

James is survived by his two loving sons, Keith Stanke and Korry (Donna) Stanke; 8 grandchildren, Ashley (Jacob) Soldan, Justin Stanke, Jason Milloway, Camilla Stanke, Gregory (Sydney) Stanke, Megan (Chaz) Cruttz, Krystal (Stephen) Forsyth, and Rebecca Stanke (Fiance' Alexander Robert Chandler), 7 great-grandchildren and three siblings, Rosalie (Bob) Heath, Ellen-Jean (Lou) Winkelhaus and Gary (Loretta) Stanke; and sister-in-law, Debby Stanke.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Carol M. Stanke in 2007; his son, Kevin Stanke in 2025 and two brothers, Phil (Linda) and Denny Stanke.