James Peter Hrit

Jim was born in 1948 in Detroit, MI, the oldest of eleven brothers and sisters. He attended St. Brigid Grade School and St. Cecilia High Schools in Detroit, MI. Jim served honorably in the U.S. Navy on Johnston Island, and on ships USS Delta and USS Ajax during the Vietnam War. He lived most of his life in Michigan, working for Ford Motor Company (Ford Wixom plant) for over thirty-six years.

Jim loved to travel to National Parks and to collect fine art and sculptures. He had a keen interest in cars and motorcycles and going to the gym daily.

Throughout his life, Jim loved to connect with people of all backgrounds. After retiring to California, Jim was a resident of Rio Vista in Solano County for 15 years.

Jim is survived by his wife, Janice Lopez, of Berkeley and Rio Vista, CA, a daughter, Lauren Diane Hrit of Lansing MI, his Michigan family: parents, Peter and MaryHelen (Williams) Hrit; siblings, Tom (Lisa), Sue Hrit, Pete (Catherine), Anna (Don) Watkins, Cathy (Tom) Arnold, Steve (Barb), Chuck and Christine (Keith) Bartlett; many nieces, nephews and friends from MI, CA and all over the US; he is also survived by his favorite mother-in-law, Esperanza Lopez and long-time friend Rickey Whitworth.

Jim was preceded in death by his son Anthony James Hrit; his first wife, Georgette Diane Hrit; brothers Joseph and Vince; and father-in-law George Victor Lopez.

As one artist friend put it, Jim was “larger than life”. He loved to laugh loudly and had a smile that put you at ease. He was generous and loyal to long-time friends; a helpful neighbor, always willing to lend a hand and engage in long conversations. A loving husband and beloved father, Jim deeply loved his large family and will be very much missed. “Life is good, (Jim used to say) and particularly when it doesn’t involve shoveling snow.”

Cremation by the Neptune Society of Northern California and burial of his ashes will take place in Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, MI. A memorial service will take place at a later date.

Contributions in memory of James Peter Hrit may be made to St. Jude’s Research Hospital, the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, the National Park Foundation, Hospice of San Joaquin, or the Charity of your choice.