James Carl Bieri

He was born on July 31, 1948, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Gottlib and Marie Bieri. Jim grew up surrounded by faith, family, and community. He attended St. Mary’s Catholic School, where his Catholic faith, shaped both at home and at school, became a guiding light throughout his life.

Jim went on to study at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, where fate brought him together with the love of his life, Jeanne. They met through mutual friends at a party, and from that moment on, their story unfolded. The two were married in 1972 and built a marriage of more than fifty years grounded in love, laughter, and faith.

When Jim was accepted into Detroit College of Law, the couple relocated to Detroit, a city he came to adore. After graduating from law school, he started a few of his own businesses, and would eventually come to negotiate leasing contracts for luxury retail stores across the country. One of his accomplishments was securing the leasing contracts for the first 50 J. Crew stores in the U.S. Later in his career he took great joy working with his son on many projects.

He embraced not only the city, but also its vibrant culture and sports. He was a social butterfly, often spending time at the Detroit Athletic Club, or the Country Club of Detroit playing handball, or bowling with his wife in the couples’ league. Jim was well liked at both the DAC and CCD. He was a Board of Director at the DAC and served on many other committees at both clubs. He loved playing sports, but he also loved watching sports, particularly the Detroit Lions and was a long time season ticket holder for the Detroit Red Wings.

Jim had a gift for living fully in the moment while also carrying deep wisdom. He was upbeat, generous, and seldom quick to anger.

Of all his roles in life, Jim cherished most being a grandfather. Devoted to his two grandchildren, he made it a weekly ritual to attend Wednesday Mass at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic School, just to see his granddaughter. His quiet devotion and steady presence left an indelible mark on his family.

Jim’s life was rich with love, faith, and joy, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Jim is survived by his dear wife, Jeanne; cherished son, Alex Bieri; and adored grandchildren, Benjamin and Grace

A visitation will be held on Monday, August 25, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM at A.H. Peters Funeral Home located at 20705 Mack Avenue in Grosse Pointe Woods, MI. A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM, with the instate period to begin at 9:30 AM at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church located at 157 Lakeshore Road in Grosse Pointe Farms, MI

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Hundred Club of Detroit (PO Box 1018

Fenton, MI 48430) or the Detroit Athletic Club Athlete of the Year (https://dacathleteoftheyear.com/sponsors/)