James Emerson Streby

STREBY, James Emerson – age 86, of Flint, died after complications from a stroke on August 2, 2011. Visitation will be held 2:00 until 8:00 P.M. Thursday, August 4th and for the hour prior to the funeral service at Brown Funeral Home, 1480 E. Hill Road (near I-475) in Grand Blanc. Funeral services will be held Friday, August 5th at 12:00 noon at the funeral home, with a reception to follow at the Bailiwick Restaurant. Jim was born in Canton, Ohio on October 18, 1924, the youngest child of Walter M. Streby and Bernice (Emerson) Streby. In 1937 the family relocated to Grand Rapids, and in 1944 Jim moved to Flint to be close to Mildred “Mickey” Abbey, whom he wed on May 21, 1945. Jim and Mickey were married for 65 years before they were separated by her debilitating stroke last August. Jim was employed at GM National Parts Distribution from 1944 until his retirement in 1980. While working at the Otterburn GM facility he was most proud of his involvement in implementing equal employment initiatives. He was active in the Flint Community Players and the New Vic, as an actor as well as backstage. After Jim retired, he did volunteer work at the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan and Insight, Inc., and for various local government campaigns in the city of Flint. In his later years, Jim often spoke of his father, a man of little formal education and no great eloquence of expression, who nevertheless taught him the attributes of a purposeful life. From his mother, he gained an appreciation for reading, current events, and a love of music. Surviving are wife, Mickey, and three children, John (Carolyn) Streby of Flint, Anne (Gregory) McCarthy of Sterling Heights, and Paul (Kim) Streby of Flint. Also surviving are nephew David (Millie) Schick and their children; six grandchildren, Erin McCarthy, Kelly (Jason Mann) McCarthy, Adam (Angela) Streby, Benjamin (Jennie) Streby, and Ronan and Jude Streby, and four great-grandchildren, Emma, Isis, Evan and Jasper Streby. He also leaves brothers-in-law Larry Abbey and Dave Abbey and many nieces and nephews from the Abbey family. The family wishes to thank the numerous staff members at Genesee Gardens, McLaren Medical Center, Willowbrook Manor, Melody Pines, and the Hospice at Brian’s House, as well as Dr. Randall Schumacher and his wife Beth for their kindness, patience, and professionalism. Memorial contributions may be made to the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. Share your condolences with the family at www.brownfh.com.