James William Michael

February 4, 1942 - April 4, 2024

James William Michael (Jim) was born February 4, 1942 to Jerry and Vivian Michael in Detroit Michigan. He is the brother of the late Elizabeth Pierce, Ruth Rowland, George Michael, Gerline Michael and Kathy Payton. He spent his early years in Detroit before moving to Buffalo New York and then later, Los Angeles California, where he graduated from Manual Arts High School.

Jim went on to receive his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Wayne State University in Detroit Michigan and then later his MBA from Golden Gate University in San Francisco, California.

Jim was a great businessman, manager and entrepreneur, but beyond his professional life he was known for his love of family and friends. He was a father to his son Darl (Jody) and daughters Dawn Nwamuo (Okechi) and Crystal Shaw (Eric). He also dearly loved two of his nephews and a niece, Gary Payton, Gerald Alonzo Jackson and Marie Michael, who were a big part of his life.

One of his greatest joys was spending time with his son Darl, daughter-in-law Jody and grandsons Judah, DJ and Blaze Michael. Jim loved being a Grandpa.

Jim and his wife of 34 years, Mary “Terry” Allen,

lived a rich and full life together enjoying travel, jazz, tailgating and attending Warriors, Raiders and A’s games as season ticket holders. Jim enjoyed a good cognac, a good action movie, chess, dominoes, video poker and hosting family cookouts where he made a killer barbecue sauce that everyone loved.

Jim was an honorable man. He loved to bring family and friends together. He always had a ready smile, dry sense of humor, gave everyone the benefit of the doubt, was welcoming and kind and never said a bad word about anyone. His loss is deeply felt not only by his family but by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments but what is woven into the lives of others” - Thucydides