James Biagio Salciccioli

James Biagio Salciccioli (Jim) passed away on July 15th, 2026, at the age of 71, after a brief but courageous battle with lymphoma and pancreatic cancer. A kind, thoughtful, patient, and compassionate man, Jim had endless love for his wife and children, a deep and abiding faith, strong pride in his Italian heritage, and limitless curiosity about the world around him.

The youngest of Loretta and Alfiero Salciccioli’s four children, Jim was born on March 15th, 1955, and grew up in Detroit and Farmington Hills. He was vocal about his love for his family; he cared deeply for his siblings and parents, and he was a dedicated husband and father. He married the love of his life, Veronica, in 1980. Throughout their 49-year relationship, they were each other’s best friends, biggest cheerleaders, and staunchest supporters. The two of them were overjoyed to welcome children Maria and James. He and Veronica created a loving household environment where they always showed their children, through words and deeds, that they were deeply loved. Jim was a constant supportive presence at all of his children’s concerts, sporting events, and field trips when they were growing up. He never missed an opportunity to demonstrate interest in their lives and support them in pursuing their passions.

He was truly passionate about education – for himself, his children, and children and young adults with special needs. He earned a BA in Education from Wayne State University, where he met Veronica, and he earned an MA in Teaching from Marygrove College. He worked as a special educator in Detroit Public Schools for 31 years. He first worked at Dexter Career Center for 17 years, teaching vocational skills and technology; at DCC, he established the computer lab, created the field trip program to ensure his students had enriching experiences, and developed brand new curricula for both subjects. He earned a Spirit of Detroit award for his work at his school and with the Special Olympics. From there, he began to teach homebound students – the greatest thrill and honor of his career, in his words, was his work as the teacher/coordinator for the Children’s Hospital of Michigan, which allowed him to support hospitalized students. Jim was deeply proud of his career and his positive impact on young people with special needs across the city of Detroit.

While Jim loved his career, he delighted in his retirement. A diligent collector, he was able to devote additional time to curating interesting objects in his retirement, from records to vintage glassware to miniature clocks. Despite the slower pace that came with retirement, he was always learning and consuming popular culture through his love of music, movies, Tigers games, Jeopardy, and Antiques Roadshow. He also appreciated the time to dedicate to his religion, and he enjoyed practicing his Catholic faith through regular attendance at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Veronica; his children, Maria and James; his siblings, Mary Roczniak and Joseph Salciccioli; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. He will be missed beyond what words can convey. He was predeceased by his sister, Ann McKinney, his parents, and cherished in-laws including Mary and Morgan Ray, Delores Waugh, Joyce Washington, Howard Ray, and Evelyn Hughes.

Visiting hours will be held at A. H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack at Vernier, Grosse Pointe Woods, on Wednesday, July 22nd, from 4:00-7:00. The funeral will be held at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church on Thursday, July 23rd at 11:00, with the in-state period to begin at 10:00.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jim’s name to Gleaners Community Food Bank or Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries.