James D. Manning Jr.

James D. Manning Jr., 85 years young, passed away on October 7th, 2013, in Houston, Texas. The second of five boys born to James and Margaret Manning, he entered the world on January 6, 1928, in Detroit, Michigan.

After serving his country in Korea and returning to Detroit, Jim decided to live the American Dream and, with encouragement from his father, started his own company. With $250 and a truck, Jim began Aqua Pura in 1955. Over the course of the next twenty years, Aqua Pura developed into Sterling Construction Company and moved to Houston, Texas. In 2006, over 50 years later, the American Dream took Jim to the floor of the American Stock Exchange to ring the bell announcing the public offering of Sterling. Known as “the original MacGyver” to his family and “Chief” to many more, Jim had a knack for fixing everything with anything! Jim accomplished much in his blessed life, leaving behind many lists with things still to be finished, but always at the top of those lists were his true loves: his wife, his family and his Irish Heritage. Jim fought for his country, fought to establish a thriving company, fought to build a strong family and fought to live life every single day he was on this earth. He enjoyed life, teaching us all that hard work deserves a little play as well. Whether it was snowmobiling, skiing week-ends at the Traincar, camping, or annual family vacations to various parts of the United States, Jim was always on the move. He roved the globe with his wife Pat, his family and friends, and he enjoyed days in his boat on the lake in Conroe. “You can sleep when you’re dead,” he would say, and would let no moss grow under his feet. Jim loved his music and it accompanied him everywhere he went. If there was no radio at hand, he would have you sing a favorite tune – and he had many. The music of his Irish ancestors was near and dear to his heart, and St. Patrick’s Day was the best day of the year next to Christmas. Jim was preceded in death by his beloved parents, and his dear brothers Dick and Jack. He is survived by brothers Gerald and Patrick Manning, and his wonderful, beloved wife of 55 years, Patricia (Ellis) Manning. To carry on his legacy, Jim leaves his seven children: Kathleen “Kitty” Manning-Adler, Sharon Montemurri (Mike), Maureen Montemurri (Steve), James Manning Jr. (Lisa Ann), Brian Manning (Kristen), Kerry Manning (Lisa), and Julie Crump (Gary). It doesn’t end there though; the twenty grandchildren missing their grandpa include Katie, Shannon, Collin, Lauren, Katharine, Celia, Christopher, Meghan, Brianna, Shelby, Peyton, Paige, Parker, Claire, Audrey, Tyler, Garrett, Joshua, Olivia and Hayden. Jim is also mourned by his countless nieces and nephews, some of whom followed him to Texas to help grow his business. Friends and business partners will remember Jim when they recall a funny joke, a bit of history or a grand plan. Jim believed that you live your life with three priorities: God, marriage, and children. If you value those priorities, everything else falls into place. Jim’s legacy proves the truth of his belief. A visitation will take place on Friday, October 18, 2013, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with prayer services at Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W University Dr., Rochester, MI. Burial and military honors on Saturday, October 19, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery at 25800 W 10 Mile Rd, Southfield, MI. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Martha's Kitchen, a ministry that prepares and serves hot nutritious lunches to 350 hungry men, women and children in Houston, c/o St. Martha Catholic Church 4301 Woodridge Parkway, Porter, TX 77365.