He was born August 30, 1938 in Detroit, MI. He graduated from Pershing High School in Detroit in 1956. Jim married Diana Leach on August 23, 1958. Jim took an early retirement at the age of 58 from Giddings & Lewis (formerly Cross Company) on December 31, 1996, after 33 years of service. He continued to work until age 62 ½ at Snyder Corporation, a division of Utica Enterprises, Inc. until he and Diana retired together on March 31, 2001.
Jim was an Army Veteran, stationed in France, and then served in the Army Reserves until March 31, 1963. He was a loyal member of the Knights of Columbus for over 50 years, currently belonging to John F Kennedy Council #5460 in Clinton Township where he served as Grand Knight from 2001-2003. Whatever Jim was involved in, he put his heart and soul into it. Jim was the kind of man who people knew they could count on in their time of need. He was man with high integrity and honor. His word was his word!
Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, bowling, softball and took pride in his vegetable garden. He was very well known for his delicious tomatoes which he generously shared with everyone. He enjoyed being outside in nature, taking care of his birds and enjoying the view of his bonfire from his deck. He especially enjoyed his family and celebrating the many gatherings that his large family had.
Beloved husband of 45 years to the late Diana (nee Leach); loving father of Lindy (Norm Fletcher) Lenk, Marcie (Al) Hamilton, Lisa (Don) McDonald, and Judi Lenk; beloved grandfather of nine grandchildren: Alexia (Arron), Adam, Melissa (Sean), Luke (Brianna), Megan, Jesse (Sara), Alex, Mackenzie, and Jake; also survived by 11 great-grandchildren: Nathan (Maggie), Autumn, Cristina, Shane, Julius, Jaxon, Veda, Ellie, Callan, Kinley, and Caden. He is also survived by his lady friend of 10 plus years, Carol Jeffrey; his sister-in-law, Pamela (Roger) Betcher; and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased in death by his parents, Stanley and Martha Lenk; his brothers: Richard, Leonard, and David; and sisters: Helen Radyko and Wanda Lenk.
The family will greet friends from 1:00pm to 8:00pm with a 7:00pm Rosary service on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at Kaul Funeral Home, 35201 Garfield Rd., Clinton Twp., Michigan. Knights of Columbus presiding at 6:45pm. Funeral Mass will take place at 11:00am on Monday, February 6, 2023 at St. Malachy Catholic Church, 14115 E. 14 Mile Rd., Sterling Heights. In State from 10:30am until time of mass. Military honors to be rendered following mass. Jim will be inurned at Resurrection Cemetery at a later date where he will finally be reunited with his wife.
Memorial donations may be directed to the family to honor the things closest to Jim’s heart: local animal shelters, Veterans organizations and the preservation of the family bench in Frankfort, Michigan, where his name will be added alongside his beloved wife.
Fond memories and online condolences may be offered to the family via the online guestbook at www.kaul-funeral.com
