James "Jimmy" Fleck

When reflecting on the life of James Fleck, it is easy to see his unwavering strength and his unconditional love for family. He was always willing to go above and beyond to help others. Nothing brought Jimmy more joy than spending time with those close to him. Dearly missed, Jimmy will be forever loved by those who knew him best.

The late 1950s are remembered as a decade of great social revolution in the United States. The civil rights movement was in full swing, bringing with it promises of a brighter future for many, and the country was also experiencing an economic boom and many advancements in everyday life. It was during this exciting time that Lawrence and Helen (Flach) Fleck living in East Lansing, Michigan, were eagerly anticipating the arrival of their first child. On October 17, 1957, their wait was over, and they welcomed their son, James, into the world.

Throughout his childhood, Jimmy was a typical young man of his generation in many ways. He was raised in the family home in Warren, Michigan, alongside his six younger siblings, Kevin, Sharon, Linda, Janette, Greg, and Julie. Jimmy’s father, Lawrence, worked as a research chemist at GM, while his mother, Helen, was a homemaker dedicated to her family. Jimmy was very active from a young age. He was involved with Little League baseball through his church, he played in a recreational basketball league, and he also enjoyed fishing and all kinds of different sports. Jimmy’s strong core values were a result of his Catholic faith and of his parental upbringing. A paper route provided him the income to buy his first car, a brown 1978 Z28 Camaro. Jimmy excelled academically and he graduated as an A student from Mott High School in 1975, ready to move on to bigger and better things.

Jimmy earned his BA in Mechanical Engineering at Oakland University. Employment at Denny’s Restaurant as a cook covered the college educational expenses. Following his graduation, Jimmy spent a year working in the Kalamazoo area at Ronningen Research, designing molded plastic parts for various industries. Then he was offered a job at Revere Mold & Engineering building prototype plastic components in Roseville, Michigan, where he decided to move in with a friend in Warren, Michigan. He worked there for about 5 years before it was bought by TRW Safety Systems where he continued his career for another 30 years. Then Jimmy’s cousin, Paul Fleck, offered him a position at his startup - Dataspeed, where he recognized Jimmy’s skillset to be of great value to his new company. Jimmy found a true calling in working there, and his calm demeanor made him a natural mentor for those around him. He earned the nickname, “Work-Horse” for his dedication to the profession. Over his 44 years of working as an engineer designing mechanical systems for autonomous research vehicles and automotive interior components, he drew much joy from his career and became very knowledgeable in his field.

All who knew Jimmy can surely attest that, of all the things he loved in life, he treasured his family above all else. In 1995, he purchased and settled down in the Fleck family home, which he would share with his sister, Sharon. Jimmy was thrilled to become an uncle to several nieces and nephews whom he loved to babysit. He would allow his nieces and nephews to climb all over him earning him the moniker - Jungle Jim. He even opened his home to his sister Julie and niece Kristin welcoming them to live with him for seven years. Jimmy enjoyed fishing with his father, brother Kevin, brother in law Brian, nephews, and cousins, and he was always a part of the annual camping trip with extended family to Ludington State Park. His beloved dog, Cosmo, loved taking Jimmy on long walks in the morning, and he had a special place in his heart for his two cats, Coda and Zoey, and the naps they would take with him.

Never one to sit still for long, Jimmy enjoyed many hobbies to stay busy in his free time. He was an avid University of Michigan fan, a regular at the Big House with brother in law John, and would debate anyone who preferred Michigan State University. Jimmy was very active throughout his entire life, and he enjoyed biking, hiking, and golfing. He was also involved in basketball, softball, and volleyball. Jimmy owned a cabin where he loved going dirt biking. In the winter, Jimmy would enjoy going cross country skiing with his sister Janette and her family at the Big M. He owned a boat and liked water skiing as well. Jimmy was a member of the Club Carp fishing and card playing group. He had season tickets to the Fisher Theatre with his Aunt Marilyn, sister Sharon, and brother Greg, and he was known for his love for all animals. Over the years, Jimmy traveled to various locations around the world, including Yellowstone National Park, Hawaii, and Europe. One of his favorite destinations was downhill skiing in Vail, Colorado. Linda and her family would have Jimmy over often to visit and to eat home cooked meals. His favorite foods were spaghetti, salad drenched with Italian dressing, corn on the cob (cooked just right), brats, steak, and fish. He enjoyed popcorn and candy, especially skittles, twizzlers, and sweet tarts. Jimmy had a sharp wit and a sarcastic sense of humor that could bring a smile to anyone’s face.

As family and friends can certainly agree, Jimmy was a reliable source of strength, even in the most difficult of times, and he faced challenges head on with a spirit of fierce determination. A devoted son, brother, and uncle, Jimmy was beloved by all. His solid work ethic formed the foundation of his success, and he exemplified what it meant to live each day to the very fullest. Though he will be deeply missed, Jimmy leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

James “Jimmy” Fleck at the age of 66 died September 3, 2024 in Macomb County. Jimmy was preceded in death by his father, Lawrence and sister, Linda (John) Tache’. Surviving are his mother, Helen Fleck, 5 siblings: Kevin (Cindy) Fleck, Sharon Fleck, Janette (Brian) Macks, Greg Fleck and Julie Oppedisano; nieces and nephews: Melissa, Hannah, Felicia, Kristin, Justin, Trevor, Kaylin, Marisa, Kyle, Anna, Mandi, Carrie, Alaina, and Easton; and many cousins. Please join us at a Life Story Visitation on Monday, September 16, 2024 from 5-8pm at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900 where a prayer service will be held at 8pm. Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, September 17, 2024 10am at St. Augustine Cathedral. Lunch will follow in the Cathedral Center and burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Celebrate Jimmy’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Gift of Life Michigan or Michigan Humane Society.