Rev. James Richard Gennette

Rev. Mr. James R. Gennette, 85, passed away from (Parkinsons Disease) on June 16, 2025, at Independence Village in Petoskey, Michigan.

Son of Emmet J. Gennette, Sr. and Nelda C. (Moreland) Gennette, Jim was born on October 18, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan. Jim was a lifelong resident of Macomb County and attended Ascension Elementary School and Lincoln High School class of 1957, both in Warren, Michigan. He married Joann M. Jones on June 4, 1966, at St. Mary in Greektown.

He was Ordained Permanent Deacon on May 7, 1977, at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral. Jim served as Deacon at Queen of All Saints in Fraser, Ascension in Warren, St. Mary of Mystical Rose in Armada, St. John’s the Evangelist in Allenton, Assumption Grotto in Detroit, and SS. Cyril & Methodius in Sterling Heights.

Jim retired as a heat treat technician from TRW in Sterling Heights after 37 years on July 1, 2002. He also served as financial secretary treasurer of Local 247 UAW for thirteen and a half years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 7561 in Armada, Assembly No 3057 in Romeo, and was the financial secretary for the Retirees Chapter of Local 247 UAW.

The greatest day of Jim’s life was his wedding day. He loved Joann and their children, as well as their spouses and grandchildren with deep affection. Jim loved to garden and take care of his family’s little area in the country. He enjoyed playing the organ and learning new languages. He received a great amount of personal satisfaction serving as a deacon and enjoyed sharing his faith, especially with a number of R.C.I.A. He took his preaching very seriously and was known as a fairly good preacher. He enjoyed the friendship, affection and faith sharing of the Thursday Rosary prayer group and First Saturday Catholic men’s group.

Jim is survived by his wife Joann of 59 years. Children: Pauline (Craig) Rhodes of Monroe, Washington; Joseph (Pamela) Gennette of Denison, Texas; John Gennette of Chesterfield, Michigan; and Maryann (Jacob) Hall of Petoskey, Michigan; 8 grandchildren,15 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. Siblings Daniel Gennette of Eastpointe, Michigan; Thomas Gennette of North Port, Michigan; Patricia Slivik of Mesa, Arizona; Kenneth Gennette of Eastpointe, Michigan; Joann (Kory) Kerber of Shelby Twp, Michigan; and many nieces, nephews, great-nephews and great-nieces. In-laws Jeffery and Sandra Jones of Roseville; Jackie and Jerry Hall of Wilmington, North Carolina; and one nephew and four nieces.

He is preceded in death by his parents Emmett Gennette, Sr. in 1962, and Nelda Gennette in 1995. Two sisters Donna and Mary in 1941. Two brothers Emmett Gennette, Jr. in 2002 and Dennis Gennette in 2004. In-laws Jerry Jones of Lillian, Alabama; Jordan Jones of Jacksonville, Texas; and Janet of Livingston, Texas.

A Mass will be at SS Cyril & Methodius Slovak Catholic Church on Friday, June 27, 2025 at 12:00 PM. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM at the church and the burial will be at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of Stone Funeral Home in Petoskey, Michigan.