James Bernardino Gioia Sr.

James Bernardino Gioia Sr. James Bernardino Gioia Sr., loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at the age of 81. Jim was born on April 22, 1941, in Detroit, MI to Sebastiano & Celeste (Valente) Gioia. In 1963 he married Kathleen Kramer and had four children Jill, Andrea, Jimmy and Kathryn. After 27 years of marriage, they decided to separate. In 1992, Jim married Eileen and settled down with his soulmate in Fowlerville, MI. Jim again became a devoted husband and stepfather to Eileen’s three children. His love and devotion to family were insurmountable. Jim spent over 18 years with Tolley International as head of the IT department however in 1983 the company was dissolved and Jim landed in a new industry healthcare with Genesys Health Systems (IT and HR) where he was admired for many reasons, but most of all his ability to greet their mornings with a smile and always made himself available to listen, he treated everyone around him with respect and was like a mentor to many. After he retired, Jim took on a new interest in woodworking and soon had a workshop, where he spent many hours creating things for Eileen and her quilting group, friends and family, neighbors often brought old cabinetry etc., to be fixed, with which Jim felt honored to repair. Jim and Eileen loved to travel together, planning a special trip every couple of years. Jim’s home was well known as a place to go and enjoy laughter, food, fun and much love. Jim is preceded by his mother Celeste Gioia, father Sebastiano Gioia, wife Eileen Gioia, brother Gulio Gioia, sister Dorothy Ciati (Frank Ciati) and grand-daughter Julia Koinis. Jim is survived by his four children Jill Gioia, Andrea Koinis, Jim Gioia Jr., Kathryn Katzman (Dave) and three stepchildren Brian Lipiec (Marya), Matt Lipiec (Jessica), Jenny Hudak (Eric), and seven grandchildren, Nycole Gioia, Jack, Lilah and Lucy Hudak, Adeline and Milo Lipiec. Extended family includes two brothers, Pat Gioia (Barbara)and Larry Gioia, sister-in-law Ellen Kramer, many cousins, nieces and nephews. An instate for James will be Saturday, January 28, 2023 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 24505 Meadowbrook Road, Novi, from10:30 AM until time of funeral liturgy 11:30 AM. With a luncheon immediately following the service at Cantoro's Italian Market in Plymouth Michigan. In lieu of flowers James' family request that donations be made in his honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or to the ALS of Michigan

James Bernardino Gioia Sr.

April 22, 1941 - January 17, 2023