James Danko

James Danko, age 65 of Sterling Heights, died Saturday, November 24, 2018 at Ascension Macomb-Oakland Hospital in Warren, Michigan. Jim was born March 12, 1953 in Highland Park, Michigan, son of the late Richard John Danko and the late Clara Marie (nee: Kuhr) Danko.Following his high school years, Jim had broader aspirations when it came to education which led him to enroll at Detroit's prestigious Wayne State University. Possessing quite the boisterous personality, it should come as no surprise that Jim chose a more social spectrum of learning by obtaining his degree in journalism. Though it didn't open the doors to the likes of Chet Huntley or David Brinkley's fame, it did equip him with a confidence and more acute skills in the art of communication,…something in which he loved to participate. Yes, he was able to listen and store knowledge like that of a supercomputer,…but Jim LOVED to talk and had his own unique way of keeping you captivated as he regaled you with facts, data, and a whole lot of interesting stories. If he would have ever thrown his hat in the ring, Jim could have easily won election to just about any office he chose. Yet he was a great deal more "people oriented" than that given to politics, so we simply enjoyed our unofficial Senator Danko for extending his own brand of care and support. Following his graduation from Wayne State University, it wasn't long afterwards that Jim's life took on much greater meaning as he was joined in marriage with his bride, Denise Frances Croce, (known more affectionately to most as "Ginger") on August 6, 1976. It was the beginning of a family unit that would welcome two beautiful children into the world, Danielle & Anthony, as these lovebird's went on to share another 42 years together building upon the comforts of home and hearth. In his younger years, Jim built many wonderful memories during his stint as a waiter at the iconic, Joe Muir's Restaurant in Detroit. Just imagine this suave & debonair character, with that firm and booming voice of his, taking your order and attending to every detail in your dining experience,…he must have been in 7th Heaven with all those attentive patrons to charm & enthrall. Fast-forward some years later and Jim's job title was now that of a Purchaser / Buyer, a position he held for various industries over the years, the latest of which was in the petroleum industry. He was a wise man with incredible business-savvy, and it was all enhanced by his assertive nature,…instilled at birth.Another aspect of Jim's nature, instilled by our Father in Heaven, was his devout faith and Catholic beliefs. A longtime member and parishioner of St. Blasé Catholic Church in Sterling Heights, Jim was a constant source of strength and encouragement to many as they each sought their own spiritual paths in life. Yes, even in church he was a character,…but a character loved by many. In his youth, Jim was quite the avid tennis player. Hittin' the courts for a little competitive action had his name written all over it. He loved a good challenge in most any aspect of life, but none-so-much as that enjoyed on the tennis court. As the years ensued and the family matured, another of Jim's favorite pastimes was enjoyed on their camping excursions. Getting back to nature and the outdoors infused him with an even greater appreciation for all that The Mitten has to offer,…and he ate it up at every opportunity possible. Eventually camping would transcend to the next step of owning his own cottage up north, a little bit of Heaven nestled amidst the beauty of Michigan's north country and far from the hustle & bustle of the concrete jungle. Jim loved escaping to his home away from home as often as he was able, and trips to the family cottage were always enhanced when it included some "beers on the beach." Life is always good when you're at the beach!Like many dudes, Jim was quite the sports fan. Yet "fandom" took on an entirely different and intense perspective and posture when it came to his coveted, Michigan Wolverines. A perennial season ticket holder for the iconic gridiron favorites of college football, Maize & Blue weren't merely the colors that represented the stately University of Michigan,…they were the colors that also ran thru Jim's body each game day. He was also a huge fan and supporter of the other Detroit teams, the Tigers and the Red Wings. Not merely by catching them on the television,…Jim was known for catching them in person as well and loved attending the ball park and ice arena each chance he could. Yet of all that brought him the most joy in life, nothing could hold a candle to the love he held for his family,…especially when it came to those little cherubs, his precious grandchildren. He adored them immeasurably and coveted any & all opportunities he could share their company. A loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, Jim leaves a legacy of love and care that was speckled with so many variations of his amazing character, a love and care that ran deep and impacted many in his journey through life. He will be missed immensely and loved eternally.As Jim's family reflect upon the latest challenges and periods of pain he was forced to endure, they wish to extend their sincere gratitude for all of the love and support they received from family and friends alike. Your prayers truly helped to get them through it all. Jim was the beloved husband of Denise "Ginger" Danko, and dearest father of Danielle (Kevin) Abadie and Anthony (Jessica) Danko. He was also the loving grandfather of James Pardee Abadie and William Davis Abadie. Further survivors include his Aunt Patricia and Aunt Virginia. Jim was predeceased by his sister, Kathleen Alexiou.Visitation for Mr. Danko will be held Wednesday, November 28th from 5-9 pm and Thursday from 2-9 pm, with a 7 pm Vigil Service on Thursday, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd) in Warren. Mr. Danko will lie in state on Friday from 9 am until time of his Funeral Mass at 9:30 am at St. Blase Catholic Church in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Following Mass, Jim will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township, Michigan.In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Suite 500, Chicago, Illinois 60611 (www.pulmonary fibrosis.org).Please share memories of Jim at his guest book above.