Jamil Mansour

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jamil Putrus Mansour Galia, a devoted husband, beloved father, cherished grandfather, great-grandfather, and respected community leader. Jamil passed away peacefully on April 4th, 2025, exactly as he wished - in the comfort of his home, surrounded by the love of his family. Jamil is survived by his lovely wife of 70 years, Souad Mansour. Devoted father of Feyha (Kais) Younan, Hayfa Yousif, Raja (Terry) Yaldoo, Alaa (Ibtisam) Mansour, and Safaa (Shatha) Mansour. Very proud grandfather of Chorbishop Andrew Younan, Christopher Younan, Martin Yousif, Kristina (Mark) Awdish, Monique Yaldoo, Michael (Angie) Yousif, Dominic (Ashley) Yaldoo, Lawrence (Ishtar) Mansour, Joseph Yaldoo, Monica Yousif, Lydia (Dan) Mansour, Peter (Kim) Mansour, Pauline Mansour, and Laurita Mansour. Even more proud great-grandfather to Anthony, Cecilia, Angelo, Amanuel, Sarai, Abigail, Nineb, Damien, Nahira, Rosalie, and Anthony Loyal brother to Jamila (Hameed) Al-Essa.
Jamil was known for many things to many people. He will be remembered by some as Jamil, some as Jim, some as Bab, Jido, Big Jido, or as Abu Feyha/Abu Alaa. He will be remembered for being meticulous and organized, particularly in regard to his hobbies, including stamp collecting, scrapbooking, and making photo albums. He will be remembered for his love of his homeland, as well as his love of the United States. He will be remembered for his great pride, not just in himself, but far more in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He will be remembered for his boisterous voice, whether expressing his opinions with fervor or singing Happy Birthday to Jesus on Christmas. He will be remembered for his great generosity and humbility. He was happy with the simple things in life, so that he could be generous with all those around him whether family, friend, or those less fortunate. His family has been spoiled with nearly 92 years of his love and affection. And while we still selfishly wish we could have had more, we hope, pray, and are confident that he is with Love Himself in heaven.
Born on September 7th, 1933, in Mosul, Iraq, to parents Putrus Mansour Jajo and Amena Stephan Kado, Jamil was raised in a modest household that shaped the foundation of his values: humility, service, and steadfast faith. At the age of 22, he married the love of his life, Souad Barash, in a union blessed by both family and faith. His mother Amena, who saw Souad's light early on, always dreamed of her becoming her son's wife - a dream joyfully fulfilled in February 1955.
In Baghdad, Jamil was admired for his integrity and bravery. Living in a predominantly Christian neighborhood, he became known as a protector of his people, fearlessly confronting government officials to advocate for his community's basic needs. His voice carried strength and truth and often led to real change-bringing electricity and essential infrastructure to underserved areas. Though his boldness made him a target, Jamil never wavered, trusting in God and remaining committed to justice.
Despite not completing primary school, Jamil became proficient in three languages-Surath, Arabic, and English-and went on to work with a British petroleum company. His fluency in English and ability to connect with people from all walks of life set the stage for a successful career and a powerful personal journey. In 1973, after enduring multiple threats and attacks, he made the difficult decision to immigrate to the United States for the safety of his family.
Starting anew in a foreign land with limited means, Jamil found work at a local hardware store, where he learned the foundations of American business. With unwavering determination and a heart for helping others, he later co-founded AAA True Value Hardware with his sons Alan and Steve - a business rooted in service and community care.
Jamil's true ambitions, however, lay not in material success but in knowledge. A lifelong student, he amassed a personal library of over 1,000 books and thousands of articles, diligently reading and recording his insights. He believed a man's worth was not in what he owned, but in what he learned - a philosophy he lived by every day.
A devout Christian, Jamil was deeply involved in his church and donated generously to humanitarian causes, especially those focused on preserving the Chaldean Assyrian Syriac heritage and the ancient Aramaic language, which he proudly reminded others was spoken by Jesus Christ himself.
Even in his later years, Jamil remained a student of life. He mastered modern technology, digitized thousands of cultural recordings, and actively engaged with his grandchildren - listening, teaching, and always learning. His basement became a personal museum filled with relics, literature, and artifacts from over 50 countries, reflecting his boundless curiosity and reverence for God's creation.
To know Jamil was to know wisdom, humility, and love. He was a man who could hold deep conversations on philosophy, theology, and history, yet find equal joy in the laughter and lessons of his great-grandchildren. His legacy is one of relentless learning, fearless advocacy, and unconditional love.
When asked to summarize his life philosophy, Jamil once said:
"Sit with those who are humble, learn from those who are rich in knowledge, and help those who are in need."
Jamil Putrus Mansour Galia leaves behind a legacy that will echo through generations. His light continues to shine in the lives of those he touched, and his memory will forever remain a blessing to all who knew him.
Funeral Arrangements: Church Service: Requiem mass will be Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. George Chaldean Catholic Church. 45700 Dequindre Rd Shelby Township, MI 48317.
Cemetery Interment (Burial) Service: A burial service will immediately follow the church service at White Chapel Memorial Cemetery. 621 W Long Lake Rd. Troy, MI 48098.
Visitation and Prayers: The family will receive guests and accept condolences from 3-7:00 p.m. at Troy Palace/St George ORTHODOX Church. 2160 E Maple Rd. Troy, MI 48083.