James Robert Hickey OFS

James Robert Hickey OFS, age 81, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2014, at his home, in the arms of his loving wife Rose Marie (Skorka) Hickey, surrounded by his five adoring daughters, Ann (Chris) Czerew, Kathleen (Frank) Rosen, Cynthia (Alastair) Czarniecki –Brown, Mary (Leo) Brunette and Elizabeth (David ) Karsten. He is also survived by his 20 grandchildren: Patrick, James & Nicholas Czerew, Amanda ( Alan) Roetman, Jennifer & Amy Karas, Rebecca (Michael) Crawford, Emily (Phil) Bouma, Michaela & Benjamin Brown, Tiffanna (Tom) Hoebeke, Austin (Ian) Brown, Maria (William) Zimmerman, Jacob, Elizabeth, Rachel & Lisa Brunette, Kaitlyn, Andrew & Madelyn Karsten and 18 great grandchildren, his sisters Margaret Diedrich, Barbara (Marv) VanDyke, brother-in-law Don Glauz & sister-in-law Joanne Hickey and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Helen Hickey, and his brothers, Jack & Robert Hickey, sister, Eileen Glauz and his father and mother-in law Joseph and Mary (Zielinski) Skorka. James was born in Conklin, Michigan on May 16, 1933 to William and Helen Hickey. He was a1953 graduate of Catholic Central High School. On June 26, 1954 he married his high school sweetheart and life-long love, Rose (Skorka) Hickey. Jim started a 60 year career in the construction industry as an apprentice carpenter for DeYoung and Bagin. During his 30 years at Triangle Construction, Jim worked as a carpenter, project manager and eventually Vice President. In 1984, Jim was offered a position at Design Plus, an architectural firm, where he served as President and COO. Upon his retirement in 2000, Jim continued to work in the industry as an inspector for banks and lending firms in western Michigan. His final inspection was made in September of this year. The industry will miss his knowledge and expertise. While balancing his family life and career, Jim also served his community for 60 years. His community service includes: City of Walker Volunteer Fireman, Walker Township Constable, Parochial School Board, City of Walker Planning Commission and City of Walker Brownfields Development Authority. He was honored by the City of Walker in 2005 as an Outstanding Citizen, and again in 2013 with a “Key to Standale”. Jim’s passion for building was satisfied at Eleven Oaks, his forty acres in Irons, MI. Over a period of 50+ years, he built multiple cottages, a cabin, and in the true spirit of a Secular Franciscan, his crowning achievement was a chapel which he dedicated to his wife and family. Installation of the Finkler Family bell completed the project in August of this year. Jim’s love of hunting was contagious. He and Rose took many trips to Canada and northern Michigan hunting black bear and white tail deer. Although his favorite hunt was caribou in Canada, his favorite hunting story was about the black bear (now rug) that Rose shot. The family would like to thank Emmanual Hospice for their kind and compassionate care during the last few weeks. Jim was a Third Order Secular Franciscan. In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift may be made to: Mother of Sorrows Secular Franciscan Fraternity or Holy Spirit Haiti Relief Fund. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday 11 am at Holy Spirit Church where he will repose one hour prior. The family will receive visitors Sunday 2-4 pm and 6-9 pm at Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Mortuary, 3525 Remembrance NW. A Rosary will be prayed at 6 PM Sunday followed by a Franciscan Prayer Service. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery.

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James Robert Hickey OFS

May 16, 1933 - October 23, 2014