James E. Mara

James (Jim) E. Mara, age 87, of Sault, MI; passed away peacefully at home with family at his side on Saturday, June 26, 2010. Jim was born July 2, 1922 in Highland Park, MI, son of Tom and Hazel Mara. He grew up in Highland Park and graduated from St. Benedicts High School and attended Walsh Business School. He married Rosemarie Bacon on August 21, 1948 at Holy Redeemer Church in Detroit and worked for the IRS before transferring to Customs and Immigration in 1960; the family lived in Detroit area before moving to the Sault in 1969. Jim retired from Customs in 1983 after 37 years of government service. He served his country in Europe during WWII as a member of the 257th Field Artillery Battalion. Jim was devoted to his religion and was actively involved in the Knights of Columbus for 35 years, serving as Grand Knight and honored as Knight of the Year. Jim''s Detroit roots continued throughout his life as he was an avid fan of the Tigers and Red Wings; understandably, the "fighting Irish" of Notre Dame also held a special place in his heart. Jim''s love of golf started early while caddying in Detroit and continued throughout his life. After moving to the Sault, gardening developed into a loving hobby and Jim spent many hours nurturing his plants and fruit trees. Jim is survived by Rosemarie, the love of his life for over 62 years, and his children: Kathleen (John) Sandie, Maureen (Jake) Sillers, Patrick (Marianne) Mara, Brian (Claudia) Mara, Joseph (Cindy) Mara Colleen (Mark) Davis, Pauleen Mara and Doreen (Tim) Perry. He was preceded in death by sons Michael and Timothy. He was loved and adored by 18 grandchildren: Scott, Emily, Steven, Jennifer, Brian James, Erin, Nancyann, Brian, Ashley, Emily Rose, Nichole, Kevin, Elizabeth, Tyler, Kelsey, Samuel, Michael and Thomas; and 15 great a�" grandchildren: Mara, Liam, Elsa, Joseph, Maddison, Ella, Maura, Maighdlin, Finnegan, Bailey, Zoe, Issac, Joseph and Karen. While Jim''s dry Irish wit and quips will be sorely missed; these memories will continue to spur many a chuckle and laugh for years to come. Visitation will be Friday, July 2nd from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at Clark Bailey-Newhouse Funeral Home with the funeral mass being given at St. Joseph''s Church on Saturday, July 3rd at 10:30AM. Interment will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield, MI. Memorials to the Hospice of the E.U.P. or the Michigan Special Olympics would be appreciated.

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James E. Mara

July 2, 1922 - June 26, 2010