James Robert Peake, age 86 of Warren, died Saturday, May 12, 2018 at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in Clinton Township, Michigan. He was born March 15, 1932 in Newberry, Michigan, son of the late Frederick and the late Mary Louise (nee: Barber) Peake.James was imbued with a strong work ethos that was evidenced on a daily basis in his job as an Operational Engineer in the construction industry. Responsible for overseeing the paving of our highway infrastructure, his attention to detail was both precise and profound. James was a hard worker who did his utmost to earn those special moments away from the job where he enjoyed a host of varied pastimes and interests, some of them centered in his love of sports. In his earlier years, James was known for his love of skiing,…the kind he did behind a boat. Strappin' on those skis and grabbin' the rope meant he was about to have the time of his life. James was also quite fond of bowling, fishing and golf. Known to be a bit less exerting than others, these were sporting interests that James carried through into his Golden Years. But noting his love of golf just wouldn't be replete without mentioning the two,…that's 2,…"Holes-in-One" he achieved while taming the links over the years. Stepping up to the tee with that skillful eye of his, James often swung his clubs with a laser-focus that many pro's would envy.As for the pastimes he enjoyed at home, James' mind kept him busy piecing together picture puzzles, gluing and fabricating model airplanes, and feeding his hunger as an avid reader. His favorite reading material included the murder mystery genres, as well as the country / cowboy series' of Lonestar and Louie LaMarr. And when it came to cowboys, there was no greater television to watch than when The Duke, John Wayne, was filling the TV screen. James may not have been a cowboy, but his heart certainly played the role. He was also quite the vegetable gardener and poured the finer points of his tender-loving-care into nurturing its growth. With a green thumb and years of experience, there were quite a few mealtimes where James' vegetables accompanied ones dinner plate. Nothing beats home-grown. His musical skills would often find him picking up his guitar and strumming a tune or two,…whether for his own enjoyment or the audience-du-jour. And lastly, this bio would be remiss if not for mentioning James' skills in both cooking and baking. Just give him a preparation space, a stove and an oven,…then step back and watch the magic unfold. Perhaps most special and tasty from his culinary repertoire was his mouthwatering & juicy Homemade Apple Pie. (Got ice cream?)James was also one of the many Michiganders who, wisely, fled the wintry climate of the Mitten for the warmth of the Sunshine State, Florida. It may have taken him 55 years of shoveling snow to find that wisdom, be he eventually kissed the Michigan winters good-bye in 1987 and made his southern home in the quaint hamlet of Fort Myers Beach, Florida. Together with Dolores by his side, the two snowbirds enjoyed their winter getaway for the next 27 years,…until in 2014 when James' health compelled him to be closer to family, here in Michigan. But during his "Snowbird Sessions,"…of the many aspects James enjoyed down south, perhaps most treasured were the coveted "Coffee Clutches with the Guys." A daily dose of getting together with his fellow retirees for a little java and joviality, it was often the highlight of his days. Along with the annual trips to Florida, James was known for his love of travel beyond the Sunshine State as well. From the Sunday drives to Grandma's house, to visiting family up in Gladwin, the car rides enjoyed to Frankenmuth, and the more lofty excursions from Florida to visit family in Oklahoma,…James loved being behind the wheel and heading to places and destinations both familiar and foreign alike. On the foreign front, James was blessed to receive & enjoy the gift of a cruise from his son that transported him to the tropical heaven of Jamaica, a trip that he reveled in for years. He just loved Jamaica, mon!Yet of all that James held dear, nothing could hold a candle to the passion and love he possessed for his cherished family. Every occasion that brought them close,…each memorable moment they created together,…James held his loved ones in the highest regard and coveted each visit they shared. Especially with his beloved grandchildren, they had no greater fan than Grandpa,…and he was always there on the sidelines lifting them up, bolstering their spirits, and cheerleading with all he had inside. From the many dance competitions, the various sporting events, and the music recitals he sat in on, James' grandchildren meant the world to him and were truly the light of his life. Family was what it was all about for James, and he always reached out with a heart of compassion. A loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, James touched a multitude of hearts and souls in his journey this side of Heaven, and leaves behind a legacy of love for those to embrace who were blessed to know him. He will be missed immensely and loved eternally. James was the beloved husband of 66 years to Dolores (nee: Karpinski) Peake. Dearest father of David (Rita Blackburn) Peake, Susan (Robert) Boniecki, Karen (Ken) Trelfa, Robert Peake, and Michele Suessine. Loving grandfather of Christine (Ken) Waynick, Brandy (Paul) Koss, James Peake, Robert (Deanna) Boniecki, Colleen (Matt) Dahlman, Randall (Angela) Boniecki, Kenneth (Angela) Trelfa, Amanda (Aaron) Bacon, Ian Peake, Nicole (Christopher) Kitchen, Thomas (Angela) Patton, Richard (Kylie) Suessine, Kate-Lynn Sidenstecker, and the late Bryan Boniecki. He was also the cherished great-grandfather of Alethia, Joseph, Maddison, Adalynn, Emily, Alana, Matthew, Samantha, T.J., Kenneth, Amber, Annabelle, Alyssa, Vanessa, Noah, Izabelle, Aubree, Benjamin, Blake, Jackson, Ashton, Steven, Barbara, and Bryce. Brother of Joann (William) Kiesznowski, Eileen (the late Stanley) Zalewski, and preceded in death by siblings; Gerald, Frederick, Franklin, Lucille, and half brothers, James and William. He is further survived by his sister in-law Pam Peake.Visitation for James will be held on Tuesday, May 15th from 3-9pm, with a 7pm Rosary Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Road) in Warren. He will lie in state on Wednesday from 10:30 am until time of the Funeral Mass at 11:00 am at St. Malachy Catholic Church in Sterling Heights. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township, Michigan. Memorial donations are welcomed to St. Malachy Catholic Church, or to the Knights of Columbus. Please share memories of James at his memory book above.
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