James Robert Stokes

James R. Stokes was born in Detroit, Michigan, on June 5, 1951, to John C. and Kathleen (née Hatty) Stokes.
Jim was a graduate of Sacred Heart Seminary College, St. John's Theological Seminary, the University of Detroit, and the Detroit College of Law. He held a bachelor's degree in history/philosophy, a master's degree in divinity, a master's degree in counseling, and a Juris Doctor. He was also a Licensed Professional Counselor in addition to his role as a Licensed Attorney.
Jim achieved emeritus status (having served for over 25 years) on the board of the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (A.C.C.E.S.S.), was a Center Partner with Affirmations LGBTQ+ community center, and was involved in several other civic and community organizations as well.
Jim held an honorary bachelor's degree from SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary, Orchard Lake, for service to the Detroit Metro area in counseling and social services and was a recipient of the "True Friend Award" by the German American Heritage Foundation International for work with the student exchange program at Wayne State University, Detroit, and King Ludwig University in Munich, Germany.
In 2008, Jim was the recipient of the Outstanding Arab American in State Government Award from the Yemen American Benevolent Association (Y.A.B.A.) and was honored by the American Arab Chamber of Commerce in 2012 as Attorney of the Year. He also served as an appointee to the Henry Ford College Community Leaders Advisory Council. Jim was proud to have served as Director of Appointments for the State of Michigan during the administration of Governor Jennifer Granholm.
In conjunction with a program initiated by A.C.C.E.S.S. and with support from corporate and civic entities, Jim played Santa Claus at Salina School in the south end of Dearborn for over thirty years. The school is 90% Muslim and many of its students are immigrant children who arrived directly from refugee camps in the Middle East. Jim considered this among the most important contributions he made to the community.
Jim was predeceased by his spouse, Frederick W. Hoffman, who passed away on October 26, 2019. On November 29, 2015, Jim was legally able to marry Fred, and they celebrated an additional four years together - a total of 36 years - before Fred's passing after a several year battle with cancer. Together Jim and Fred created and endowed scholarships in public policy at Henry Ford College, the University of Michigan - Dearborn, and the Michigan State University School of Law (formerly Detroit College of Law).
Jim passed peacefully after a long and courageous battle with cancer on October 7, 2025. Jim is survived by many loving family members and friends. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, October 27, at St. Bonaventure Capuchin Monastery, 1740 Mt. Elliott, Detroit, with a gathering open to family and friends in the church at 10:00 am, funeral Mass at 11:00 am and lunch following. Jim and Fred will be interred together in the Solanus Casey Columbarium and Cremation Garden at Mt. Elliott Cemetery.