James Stasevich, Jr. was born September 10, 1930 in Detroit, Michigan. The son of Belarusian immigrants, Jim grew up in Detroit and graduated from Cooley High School in 1948. He attended Wayne State University where he participated on the fencing team and received a Master of Arts in History. He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1954.
Jim wed Katharine Rank on November 5, 1960, leading to the blessing of four children. Jim and Kathy made their home in Detroit for many years before becoming long-time residents of Livonia, MI.
He tirelessly worked for the Detroit Board of Education/Public Schools for over 40 years, serving as a high school and junior high school social studies teacher, counselor, and administrator. He closed his career in 1997 as an Assistant Principal for Henry Ford High School in Detroit, where he served in that position for close to 20 years.
Jim was also radio broadcaster for WMZK, “The Station of the Nations” from 1973 to 1983. During this time he hosted the “Russian Hour,” a show highlighting Russian culture, music, and the arts.
He was dedicated to his faith as a reader for many years while a member of Ss. Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Detroit.
Jim was an avid reader of historical books and journals as well as being an enthusiastic baseball fan. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family, highlighted by events with the International Society, and trips to Lake Chemung in Howell, MI.
Jim delighted in his family and friends. His kind spirit will remain in the lives of all who knew him. He quietly departed from this life on March 3, 2021. He is survived by Katharine, his wife of over 60 years, sons Nicholas (Nancy), Andrew, Stephen (Christen), and Peter (Becky). He was the loving grandfather of Alexander, Michael, Mary Katharine, Anna, James and Jack Stasevich. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Melania Stasevich, sister Lydia Marcrum and grandson Matthew Stasevich.
The Stasevich family will host a viewing using appropriate health protocols on Tuesday, March 9th, at Harry J. Will Funeral Home on 37000 W. Six Mile Road in Livonia, MI from 1PM to 9PM. The family will have a private funeral service at 11AM on March 10th at Holy Transfiguration Church on 36075 W. Seven Mile Rd in Livonia, MI. Interment will be at Glen Eden Memorial Park in Livonia, MI. The family will also host a celebration of life in the coming months as restrictions on gatherings allow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the following charities of your choice in memory of James:
Orthodox Detroit Outreach. A charity associated with Jim’s church family that delivers assistance to those in need in Detroit. https://www.orthodoxdetroitoutreach.com/donate
The Greater Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association: An organization striving to end Alzheimer’s and all other forms of dementia.
Autism Alliance of Michigan: An organization that leads efforts to raise expectations and expand opportunities for people touched by autism across the lifespan.
https://autismallianceofmichigan.org/donate/
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HarryjWillLivonia.com for the Stasevich family.
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