James Joseph Alexander O'Day

He was preceded in death by his parents Bert and Hazel O’Day II (Detroit, MI), his loving wife Katharina (Katie) Juliana Schmitt O’Day (Clinton Township), son Donald O’Day (Ft. Hood, TX), brother and sister-in-law Bert and Joan O’Day III (Forester, MI), sister and brother-in-law Lynda (O’Day) and James Markham (Warren, MI), In-laws, Christian and Elisabetha (Gotz) Schmitt, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Alfreda and Heinz Beyer, brother-in-law Christian Schmitt all of Mainz, Germany and brother-in-law Earl Leivdal (Arizona City, AZ)

He is survived by his loving children; three sons; James B. (Geneva) O’Day of St. Clair Shores, MI, Frank O’Day and Ronald O’Day both of Clinton Township, MI, and daughter Dawn (Randy) Gilbert of Fife Lake, MI, 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, sisters Mary Sue (Sam) Nowak (Whittier, CA), Marilyn Leivdal (Lake Linden, MI) and many nieces and nephews.

James was born May 15, 1937 at home in Detroit, MI and joined the Army at 18 and served 10 years between Texas and Germany. During that time on a blind-date he met his wife, Katie, of 62 years in Mainz-Bretzenheim Germany and they were later married on January 7, 1957. During his time in the Army as a cook, James earned his 32nd degree in the Masons and also became a Shriner and was considered a life member. As a Veteran, James was also a member of the American Legion, Post 4 in Mt. Clemens, MI. James retired from Atlas Tool Die (Roseville, MI) as an aircraft machinist after over 30 years of service. He enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting, camping and rebuilding cars and boats with family in his younger days. For many years James hosted a New Year’s Day breakfast featuring his signature SOS dish that he made as a cook in the Army for many friends and fellow veterans. Jim was a lifelong fan of movies at the show and at home, especially Sci-Fi. In mid-life he began to enjoy working out at the gym for health benefits, and went regularly with a group of friends until as recently as 2019. The friendships lasted even when he could no longer workout due to health issues. Thank you Jose for your friendship with our father. Later in life he enjoyed traveling and would vacation often in Florida. Family was the highlight of his life and spending time with them was important to him.

In lieu of flowers consider a donation to Shriners Hospital or a Veteran organization of your choosing.

A memorial service and internment will be held later this year.