Mr. James Thomas "Jim" Rooney

Rooney, James T. “Jim” passed away at age 90 on August 4th, 2018. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas J. and Clara (Mayer) Rooney; his sisters and brothers-in-law Eileen (Ted) Vogt; Vi (Jim) McKnight; Joanne (Dr. Raymond) Kuffel; and Kathleen “Kay” (Gerry) Schmidt; brothers and sisters-in-law Julio (Betty Jo) Mencarelli; John (Guilda) Mencarelli; Tony (Josephine) Mencarelli; Robert (Evelyn) Mencarelli. Jim is survived by his wife of 57 years, Valencia L. “Val” (Mencarelli) Rooney; sons Thomas (Kay Abramowski) Rooney; Patrick (Heather Labuta) Rooney of Hinsdale, IL; his daughter Robin Madrigal (Zachary Madrigal) of Scottsdale, AZ; his grandchildren Ryan and Adam Rooney; Kassidy, Kyle and Kaitlyn Madrigal of Scottsdale, AZ; Harper, Lucas and William of Hinsdale, IL; brother and sister in law Rev. Harry (Joyce) Mencarelli; many nieces and nephews; and lifelong friends. He served his country in the U. S. Navy from 1945 to 1946, he then graduated from Marquette University in 1951. At Marquette he was a member of the golf team and Alpha Kappa Psi, the business fraternity. Jim was a salesman by profession, a member of the Grand Rapids Country Club, which later became The Elks, since age 9 where he enjoyed being an avid golfer. He received the Outstanding Catholic Central/West Catholic Alumnus Award in 1986, was inducted in to the Catholic Central Hall of Fame in 1994, the Elk of the Year award in 2003, the Elk Officer of the Year in 2009, Detroit Houseware Club Salesman of the year in 1983 and various WMMA/industry awards. Jim started the West Catholic Golf Classic in the early 80’s to raise money for the school. He was chosen to receive the Falcon by Choice from West Catholic in October 2018. Jim especially enjoyed time at the family cottage in Grand Haven and time in the Bahamas. He also enjoyed the many family trips in the motor home to the Upper Peninsula, Canada and the Southern states. Jim loved his family immensely and was incredibly proud of each member. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 9th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and from 6:00 to 8:00 PM with a prayer service at 7:45 PM at Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Chapel located at 3525 Remembrance Road NW, Walker, MI. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, August 10th at 11:00 AM at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 2510 Richmond St., Grand Rapids, MI 49504 where the family will receive visitors one hour before the Mass. The family would like to thank all of the staff at Mercy Health for the tender loving care they gave Jim and his family. Memorial contributions may be made to West Catholic High School Educational Fund, St. Anthony Church or the Shriners Research Hospital for Children.

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Mr. James Thomas "Jim" Rooney

September 16, 1927 - August 4, 2018