James Joseph Rejc

James Joseph Rejc, age 81 of Warren, died Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at home under the care of hospice and his loving family. He was born April 30, 1938 in Warren Township, Michigan, son of the late John and the late Matilda (nee: Kadunc) Rejc.   

A boat mechanic by day, James was a consummate mechanic throughout life. Notorious for wrenching on most anything, he was revered by many as the go-to guy for all things mechanical,…and was quite handy in many other venues as well. If he was able to put a tool to it, the odds were good that repairs were close behind. James was born with a good set of hands, hard working hands that could tinker on the biggest of engines or fabricate the simplest of gadgets. To be sure,…if James’ signature was on it, you were good-to-go!

James worked hard so he could enjoy his time off, and one of his prized pastimes was taking in the drama and excitement of a good NASCAR race. A true devotee of the time-honored sport, James’ racing pleasures were always high on the list for weekend TV watching,…and he rarely missed a race. He kept up on all the stats, drivers, cars and winner’s, and could answer most anything you threw at him. NASCAR couldn’t have had a more devout and loyal fan than James. Perhaps, now, he’ll be able to gather up the attentions of some of the sports’ more notable drivers and exchange stories of “back in the day.” Boogity-Boogity,…let’s go racin’ boys!

Always looking to enhance a good time, the 4th of July just wouldn’t have been the same if not for James’ proclivities and desire for shooting off fireworks. There was just something invigorating about setting a flame to the wick, then stepping back to experience the explosion,…both in the air as well as in his pyrotechnical soul. Most all of us like fireworks, but James took things to his own, unique level,…and all were amazed and entertained.

James was also quite the card shark and loved getting together with family and friends alike to enjoy a little card playing action. Nothing says fun quite like gathering some folks around the table for a bit of friendly conversation and competition,…perhaps an adult beverage or two,…and some cards to toss as the hand is dealt. For James, one of his favorite games was poker. Many will attest that he certainly had a face for the game and was often successful in pulling the wool over many-an-eye over the years. Another game he liked was Five Crowns. A popular rummy style card game, this five-suited, beautifully illustrated deck of cards adds a fun twist on Gin Rummy and provides the players with both a friendly challenge and spirited competition,…just the kind of enjoyment James loved to share.

Yet, between NASCAR, his fireworks and card playing, some of the happiest times and moments James experienced were those shared over the holidays or family reunions where he loved being the center of family gatherings. Always the proud patriarch, James simply adored immersing himself amidst the host of family members that surrounded him, and reminded him of just how blessed he was to be called “Dad” and “Grandpa.”

James will also be remembered for how he could tickle your funny bone and illicit that wonderful sound of laughter. Known for his broad and feisty sense of humor, many may recall how James loved a good practical joke,…especially when he was the practical joker. Whether it be a sinister laugh or a good ol’ belly laugh, he simply loved the sound of laughter and making others’ lives happier and lighter in the process.

A loving husband, father and grandfather, James was the consummate family man who ‘watched over his flock with the loving care of a shepherd.’ They meant the world to him and he stood ready to meet whatever need may arise. Yet not merely with his family, James was mindful of every soul that crossed his path and met them right where they were at in life. He had a selfless heart and a giving nature, and a spirit of brotherhood that bound all together within his purview. As the old adage states; “he was the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back.” He touched a multitude of hearts and souls in his journey through life, and leaves the world a better place through the lessons and influences that molded many along the way. He will be missed immensely and loved eternally. The Checkered Flag has been waved.  

James was the beloved husband of the late Joan, and longtime companion of Evelyn, and the late Mary. Dearest father of Edward (Laurie) Rejc, William (Julie) Rejc, Victoria Rejc, Steven (Terina) Rejc, and Jennifer (Dave) Gibson. Loving grandfather of Lindsey, Alex, Andrew, Megan, Jill, Jeffrey, Sheila Jo, Hannah, Wesley, Jessica, Alexandra, and great-grandfather of Odin. Brother of Mary Jo (Ed) Balhorn, Olga Koenders, Dolores Dugal, Don Rejc, Karen (Rick) Yeager, Darlene Hale, the late Eleanor Goebel, the late John Rejc, and the late Victor Rejc.

Visitation for James will be held Sunday, October 6th from 3-9 pm 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 Monday from 9:30 am until time of the Funeral Mass at 10:00 am at St. Mary, Our Lady Queen of Families Catholic Church – St. Clement Site in Center Line. Officiating the funeral liturgy will be Rev. Fr. Robert Bauer. Burial will follow at Christian Memorial Cultural Center in Rochester Hills, Michigan.

Memorial donations are welcomed to the American Cancer Society, 20450 Civic Center Drive, Southfield, MI 48076,...or at www.cancer.org

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