James Patrick Fleming

James (Jim) Patrick Fleming, age 74, of Port Huron Township, passed away after a long illness December 16, 2016, with his family by his side. James was born July 29, 1942 in Detroit to the late John and Henrietta Fleming, and graduated in 1960 from St. Stephens High School, Port Huron, Michigan. He then went on to graduate from Western Michigan University in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in the social sciences. James married Bernadette M. Trupiano at All Saints Church in Detroit, February 14, 1975. James is survived by his wife, Bernadette, Port Huron; a daughter, Shannon Fleming of Glencoe, Illinois; a daughter Michelle Fleming of Port Huron; and a son, John (Andrea) Fleming of Port Huron, as well as two grandchildren, Adalynn and Jaxon. He is also survived by his brother, John (Diane) Fleming of Alaska and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Joanne Calvagna. James was a man of many talents and varied interests. He taught government and history at All Saints High School in Detroit for four years, where he was a department head, athletic director and assistant coach, leading the school basketball team to the state championship in 1968. James then went on to teach history, speech and religion at St. Alphonsus High School in Dearborn from 1969 to 1972. While at St. Alphonsus he was also a department head, forensic judge and assistant coach. From 1972 to 1977, James managed the family business in Detroit, J.P. Fleming & Sons. James and Bernadette moved back to Port Huron in 1977 where James worked for FedEx Trade Networks as a border administrator until his retirement in 2004. After retirement, James began his second career – volunteering in the Port Huron community at Operation Transformation, Cross Current Church, and at the Acheson Ventures Great Lakes Maritime Center. His kindness of heart made Jim the perfect person to be involved at Operation Transformation and Cross Current Church. His wealth of knowledge and love of the many lake freighters that traversed our Great Lakes enabled Jim to be an exemplary guide to many who asked him questions at the Maritime Center. A Celebration of Life will be held at 12pm Friday, January 6, 2017 at Colonial Woods Missionary Church, 3240 Pine Grove Avenue, Port Huron. Visiting hours will be from 11am to the time of service at the church. Pastors Phil Whetstone and Stan Liechty will officiate. Cremation arrangements have been made by Jowett Funeral Home, 1634 Lapeer, Port Huron. Memorial tributes can be made to the ALS of Michigan. To view the obituary and share memories, please visit www.jowettfuneraldirectors.com.

James Patrick Fleming

July 29, 1942 - December 16, 2016