James Walter Hildebrandt

James W. Hildebrandt "Jim", age 87 of Warren, died at home on September 29, 2012. Jim grew up in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Edward and Evelyn, with a brother and half-sister. A prior sister and brother predeceased his birth. His father was a bar owner on Chene and he attended Assumption Grotto Church with his family. He stayed with his family until he graduated high school and joined the war effort during in World War II.Jim was a proud member of the 'greatest generation,' serving in the United States Army in the European Theater of Operations (ETO). Jim served in the 564th Field Artillery Battalion. He bravely served in the Ardennes Offensive (the 'Battle of the Bulge'), as well as at other posts in France, Belgium, and England. One of his proudest moments of his service came while on furlough in Switzerland at Christmas 1945, when he and a handful of other Catholic GI's were celebrated as guests of honor by the presiding Cardinal and congregation at Fribourg Cathedral's midnight mass. After his discharge from the ETO, he volunteered for and served another three years as an army reservist.Following his service, he attended college at Wayne State College and University of Detroit on the GI Bill. His family needed him and he never finished, instead taking a job with the Hudson Motor Co., later to leave and begin a long and storied career with General Motors. He stayed at GM for 38 years, rising from the entry-level ranks to eventually becoming Director of Surplus Sales at his retirement in 1982.Since his retirement and until her death three years ago, he enjoyed life with Barbara his wife of 56 years, and with a series of remarkable canine companions. Together they raised seven strong and successful children who were all a source of great pride for Jim. He often said that Barbara was responsible for that, but his children know it was very much a joint effort. Jim had 10 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter before he passed. His legacy is undeniable.He was a loving father of Stephen, Charles (Terrie), Christian (Ilona), Kurt (Lisa), Carole (Vincent) Sarno, John (Melanie) and the late Eric. Devoted grandfather of 10 and cherished great-grandfather of 1. Visitation for Jim will be Wednesday 5-9pm and Thursday 2-9pm with a 7pm Rosary. There will be a Funeral Service Friday at 10 am at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ' Mile Road). Please share memories of Jim at his guestbook.