Jay Spartacus Kanakis

Born in Warren Michigan to parents John and Marilyn Kanakis. He lived in Sterling Heights and Lathrup Village where he attended St. Bedes Elementary and Birney Middle Schools, and spent his teenage years in Bloomfield Hills, while attending West Hills Junior High School and Andover High School. As an adult Jay lived in Sylvan Lake, Detroit, and Keego Harbor. Jay held several jobs, but is best remembered as an excellent Recruiter, primarily for the Auto Industry over the last 25 years. Aside from this, Jay was a wonderfully talented musician, playing guitar for the rock group Wayward Myth. Their Metro Detroit shows would draw up to a thousand fans. He was also a proud 24 year-long member of the Oakland County Boat Club, where he was a House favorite, and widely known as a great practical joker. He fooled many with his pre-caller ID prank calls impersonations, including his closest friends and family. Jay also liked playing jokes on his wife and a day did not pass without him telling her numerous times a day, “I love you Wifey”.

Jay is survived by his loving wife Tammy. He also has five siblings Sandi, Jody, Ted, Steve, and Nikole; his stepmother Doreen; his Uncle Jim Knack, Aunt Jane Knack and Katina Raftis; as well as many cousins. Also survived by his father and mother in law – Frank and Shirley Klimek, his sister-in-law Christina Gardner (Shane), brother-in-law Ed Klimek (Monica) and John Klimek (Sheila), niece Kali, nephews Rylan, Steven, Kyler, Justin and Kalten. As well as literally hundreds of friends who all grieve his death.

Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions on social gatherings, Jay has been cremated and there will be no Funeral or Memorial Event until after this outbreak has passed. In the mean time you may express your condolences with a traditional Sympathy Card sent to his widow Tammy. The family asks that you do not violate health restrictions and make a visit to his home.