James Robert Devine

James Robert Devine, a beloved husband, loving father, and exceptional grandfather and great-grandfather—affectionately known as Papa—passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 5th 2025, in Southlake, Texas.

Jim was born in Detroit, Michigan, to John Henry and Phydell (Deming) Devine. He began working at a corner drug store as a sweeper at the age of thirteen. Eventually, he worked his way up to being a soda jerk where he got to serve his sweetheart Juanita a cherry coke. Jim started working at Cunningham Drugs during high school. He graduated from Western High School in Detroit in 1957.Cunningham Drugs recognized his strong work ethic and dedication to his studies and they honored him with a full ride scholarship.

Jim enrolled at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan in the fall of 1957. He completed his pharmaceutical degree at Wayne State University in 1963. Upon graduation, he began working as a pharmacist in Detroit at Cunningham Drugs. He served Cunningham’s at various positions until 1979. In 1982, he became President of Apex Drugs. He then went on to become President of Chain Drug Marketing Association in 1990 until he retired in 2016.

Jim was passionate about his work and the people he had the privilege to serve. His kindness, knowledge, and dedication left a lasting impact on everyone he encountered. Above all, Jim’s greatest goal was to represent Christ in everything he did. Jim’s favorite hymn was 'Make Me a Blessing,' and he truly embodied the verse that speaks of being a blessing to others through one’s life. Everything Jim did and accomplished in his life was driven by his love for Jesus Christ and his family.

On December 26th, 1958, Jim married the love of his life, Juanita Wilkinson, in Detroit. Soon after getting married, they moved to Southfield, Michigan where they found life long friends and community at Highland Park Baptist Church and Southfield Christian School. It was in 1974 that Jim surrendered his life to Christ and became a child of God. Jim and Juanita raised a wonderful family, which includes their children: Jim (Lora) Devine, David (Kathy) Devine, Velva (Robert) Vosler, John (Dorothy) Devine, and Suzanne (Sean) Severide.

Jim was a proud papa to seventeen grandchildren and a beloved great-grandfather to twelve. He deeply loved his growing family and cherished every moment spent with his growing family.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Beverly Taylor. He is survived by his devoted wife of sixty-six years, his five children, his grandchildren, and his great grandchildren. They all faithfully carry forward their Papa’s legacy of love and dedication to their family.

I have fought the good fight,

I have finished the race,

I have kept the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7

In lieu of flowers, the family would very much appreciate a

contribution made in memory of James R. Devine to:

Southfield Christian School

28650 Lahser Road

Southfield, Michigan 48034

www.southfieldchristian.org/giving

A graveside committal for James will be held Monday, March 10, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home, 5725 Colleyville Blvd, Colleyville, TX 76034.