James B. Dritsas

James (“Jim”) B. Dritsas was born in Detroit on April 18, 1931, to Basil and Aspasia, his Greek immigrant parents. He attended the University of Detroit where he received his Bachelor of Philosophy (PhB) in 1953 and, as with his father, the University of Detroit School of Law where he received his Juris Doctorate (JD) in 1956. After graduating law school, he practiced law with his father for 15 years. In 1972, he and his partners formed the Vestevich, Dritsas, Evans and Vestevich law firm in Bloomfield Hills. He practiced there through 2012.

He leaves to cherish and forever hold dear his memories, his loving wife, Carolyn, his five children, William, Jane (Lehman), David, Susan (Steve) and Elizabeth (John), his sisters Silvia (Michael) and Catherine (Paula), 10 grandchildren and a host of dear family and friends.

In October 2012, Jim and his wife, Carolyn, moved to California to be closer to their children.

Jim enjoyed his work, and was a popular and trusted advisor throughout his career. Professionally, as well as personally, Jim sought to be conciliatory, and his integrity was beyond reproach. Many of his clients became his close friends, and he serviced some for over 40 years.

Jim and Carolyn loved to travel, and they toured extensively throughout Europe, including his parents’ native homeland Greece (where he had many relatives), Australia, New Zealand and much of the US. An avid Detroit sports fan, he also was a patron of the arts, and enjoyed jazz, live theater in Stratford, Ontario and opera at the Detroit Opera House.

As the patriarch of his extended family, Jim was loved and admired by all for his generosity, kindness, wisdom, humor, charisma and intelligence. He touched and enriched in precious ways the lives of his sisters, children and grandchildren. His legacy is filled with many charitable donations. He died peacefully with his five children at his side. He will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to either the National Fragile X Foundation or the National Stroke Association. Condolences can be sent Carolyn Dritsas at 672 6th Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95818. A memorial will be held at the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Bloomfield Hills on April 26 at 11 am.

Arrangements under the direction of Nicoletti, Culjis & Herberger Funeral Home, Sacramento, CA.